Styles of Crosses

There exist hundreds of styles of crosses in the Christian religion. Some of these crosses date back to the time of Constantine in the 4th century when Christianity was allowed to be practiced in public. During this Byzantine Period many styles of crosses were created, one of which was the Dagmar Cross.

The Dagmar Cross Today

The original Dagmar Cross was created in Denmark in honor of Queen Dagmar who was a very popular and involved queen to the Danish people. She was buried with the Dagmar Cross but it was removed from her tomb and is displayed in Copenhagen.

Today, the Dagmar Cross is a traditional gift for baptisms, confirmations, and especially, weddings. It is often referred to as the Wedding Cross. The original cross depicts the crucified Jesus on the cross with a blue background. Contemporary Dagmar Crosses are designed in sterling silver and gold and depict various saints surrounding Jesus on the front:

The back of the Dagmar Cross displays a traditional view of Jesus crucified.

Prayers to the Holy Figures on the Dagmar Cross

Prayer to St. Basil the Great
O great and most glorious hierarch of Christ, divinely wise teacher of the Church in all the world, firm confessor and champion of Orthodoxy, all-blessed Father Basil!

Look down from the heights of Heaven upon us who humbly fall down before thee, and entreat the Lord Almighty, Whose faithful minister on earth thou wast, to grant us a firm and unchanging custody of the right Faith, obedience to the Holy Church, a correction of our way of life, and swift help patience and strength in all our needs, sorrows and temptations.

Bestow thy holy blessing upon us, so that, protected by it, in this new year, we might live every day in a manner pleasing unto God, in peace and penitence, and be vouchsafed together with thee and all the Saints, in the kingdom of Heaven to hymn and glorify the Life-creating Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin

Hail Mary
Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Prayer of St. John Chrystostom

Father,
the strength of all who trust in you,
you made John Chrysostom
renowned for his eloquence
and heroic in his sufferings.
May we learn from his teaching
and gain courage from his patient endurance.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of St. John the Baptist

O God, You raised up St. John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ. Fill Your people with the joy of possessing His grace, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of peace and salvation.

Grant that as St. John was martyred for truth and justice, so we may energetically profess our Faith in You, and lead others to the Way, the Truth, and Eternal Life. Amen.

Prayer to Jesus Crucified

Here I am, good and gentle Jesus, kneeling before you. With great fervor I pray and ask you to instill in me genuine convictions of faith, hope, and love with true sorrow for my sins and a firm resolve to amend them. While I contemplate your five wounds with great love and compassion, I remember the words which the prophet David long ago put on your lips, "They have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones." (Psalms 22:17-18)
The Dagmar Cross is an inspirational pendant that will keep the prayers to these holy figures close to your heart.