A
pectoral
cross
(from the
Latin
pectoralis,
of the
chest) is a
cross,
usually
large,
suspended
from the
neck by a
cord or
chain. Most
pectoral
crosses are
made of
precious
metals
(platinum,
gold or
silver) and
some contain
precious or
semi-precious
gems.
Historically,
many
pectoral
crosses were
(and often
still are)
reliquaries
with alleged
fragments of
the True
Cross.
In Orthodox
practice,
the pectoral
cross is
worn by all
bishops, but
not
necessarily
by all
priests. In
the Greek
tradition,
the pectoral
cross is
given for
faithful
service; in
the Russian
tradition,
the silver
cross is
automatically
awarded to
all priests
at their
ordination.
Further
pectoral
crosses, in
gold or
"with
decorations"
that is,
jeweled
may also be
awarded to
higher
ranked
priests.
The highest
award that
can be given
to a priest
is a second
pectoral
cross (i.e.,
the priest
may wear two
pectoral
crosses). A
priest who
has been
given the
pectoral
cross will
typically
wear it at
all times,
whether
vested or
not. All
bishops are
entitled to
wear the
pectoral
cross with
decorations,
although
most simply
wear a
Panagia
when not
vested for
services.
Click on "ENLARGE" to get
details and description of the
item.
Pectoral
cross
of
Father
Gerasimos
(Krstic),
Archimandrite
of
Zica
Monastery.
