Ornate Old Believer Cross (Sterling Silver, Enamel)

DescriptionSolid Sterling Silver with Blue EnamelDimensions: 1 1/8″ wide by 1 5/8″ highThis cross is a late 17th century or 18th century Old Believer cross engraved with the Russian St. Andrew Cross adorned with rays of light. “King of Glory” is the Slavonic abbreviation at the top of the cross. IC XC (Jesus Christ) is on the upper cross bar and “Sn Bzhii” (Son of God) on the lower cross bar, NI KA (conquers) appears on the lower upright, and the skull of Adam at the base. To the left of the upright is a spear, and to the right is a staff with a sponge. Tradition teaches that when the Apostle Andrew preached in southern Russia he placed a life-size three-bar cross at his side. While explaining the Last Judgment he tilted the foot plate to signify that those on the right side of Christ will go up into heaven and those on the left will go down to hell.