The Russian Orthodox cross
The Russian Orthodox cross differs from the Western cross.The cross usually has three crossbeams, two horizontal and the third one is a bit slanted.The top bar symbolizes the sign that was hung above the head of Christ, it was written: "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"
The middle bar was where Christ's hands were nailed.
The lower bar is the foot-rest. According to the Russian Orthodox tradition the feet are depicted as being nailed not at one point but individually at the two sides of the footrest.
The slanted line reminds us of the two thieves on both sides of the cross. One of them to the right of Christ ascended to Heaven, while the other one sank to Hell. Thus bottom bar of the cross is like the scale of justice and its points show the way to the Hell and Heaven.
Another interesting fact is that the upper point of the slanted beam always show the way to the North. Thus a church cross can serve as a compass.
During your Moscow tours you'll see churches with other types of Orthodox crosses and your Moscow guide will talk about its symbolism.
Moscow Curious Facts
Moscow population
Today Moscow is the biggest city in Europe. The population of Moscow is 10,5 million people.
Moscow parks
Moscow is a very green city. More than 40 percent of its territory consists of parks, gardens and forests.
Moscow metro
Moscow metro is the most frequently used public transport in Moscow both for Muscovites and tourists.
Moscow subway
The deepest station of the Moscow metro is "Park Pobedy", 84 meters, the height of a 28 storey building
Metro announcements
While navigating Moscow metro you can always determine the direction of the train by the gender of the announcer.
Summer 2010 beat all temperature records
Summer 2010 will be remembered by Muscovites and Moscow guests with abnormal high temperatures.
Moscow fountain with drinking water
There are more than 700 fountains in Moscow, but there is only one with drinking water.
Moscow winters
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Moscow was −42В°C. It happened in January 1940.
What unusual monuments can Moscow boast of?
Have you heard of such monuments as "Give way to the ducklings",a crow and a fox with melted cheese "Friendship" or Children are the victims of adults' vices?
Unusual Moscow trains
Moscow metro is famous not only for its exquisite design and interior but also for its unique trains.
Moscow McDonalds
Would you agree to stay in line for 6 hours to get to McDonalds? This is what many Muscovites did in 1990.
Monument to Saints Cyril and Methodius
What monument in Moscow has 5 spelling mistakes in the inscription?
Organ evenings in Kuskovo
"Organ evenings in Kuskovo" is a series of concerts that is held on weekends in one of the most beautiful old estates in Moscow
Naughty bell
A very old political prisoner aged 300 lives in Moscow Kremlin. Who could it be?
7 curious facts and legends about 7 sisters.
What facts and legends have you heard about Stalin Sisters?
What does a number of cupolas on a church signify?
Have you ever questioned yourself, why some churches have 3 domes while other – five or even more?
Be careful, the house is moving!
Have you ever seen a house moving? Can you imagine a multi-storey building with tenants being moved tens of meters away?
