The Most Popular Russian Orthodox Cross Pendant

The St. Olga Cross is the most popular of the Russian Orthodox crosses, named after Olga, the Princess of Kiev who spread Christianity through the region.

* The gold Orthodox cross of St. Olga features:

* A Byzantine style ornate cross with the three barred Russian Orthodox cross in the center.

* IC at the end of the left cross bar meaning, Jesus.

* XC at the end of the right cross bar meaning, Christ.

* The top cross bar contains a round ray of light with rays shining out around it.

* The gold symbolizes God.

* The Russian Orthodox Church Comes to America

St. Olga was the first to bring Christianity to Kiev after she was baptized in Constantinople. She died before she was able to make it the formal religion of the country. Her grandson, Vladimir, however, adopted the Christian religion celebrated by the Byzantine Empire as the official religion of Russia. This became the Russian Orthodox Church.

When Russian seamen arrived in Alaska in the 1700's, they brought the Russian Orthodox religion with them. A short time later, missionaries arrived and the religion spread from Alaska to California, then outward to other states.

Celebrating Russian Orthodox Feasts

There are many feasts celebrated by the Russian Orthodox Church. The St. Olga Cross, the Orthodox Cross pendant, and the Orthodox Cross necklace make perfect gift for family members during these feasts.

* Beginning of Great Lent
* Palm Sunday
* PASCHA
* Midfeast
* Ascension
* Pentecost
* Western Easter

All these Russian Orthodox feasts prepare the Christian for Jesus Christ's passion, crucifixion, and resurrection. The St. Olga cross is a symbol of all these feasts, reminding Christians of the sacrifice Jesus made for all of them and his glorious resurrection. The Russian Orthodox cross gives followers of Jesus Christ hope for eternal life, living in joy and peace with God forever.