Altar cross
An altar cross is the name of the cross or crucifix that is located on or near the altar in church buildings .
Roman Catholic Church
When celebrating Holy Mass , a crucifix must be “clearly visible to the assembled people, on the altar or near it”. It is recommended that it remain near the altar outside of liturgical celebrations. The presentation cross can also serve as an altar cross .
Today's altar cross has its origin in the lecture cross. This was carried before the procession to the entry and then erected at the altar . This cross became the altar cross, which has its permanent place on the altar. With the introduction of the altar cross, cross stands also appeared so that the cross could be raised and thus be clearly visible.
Orthodox churches
The altar cross (more precisely: the celebrant's hand cross) is an important part of the Orthodox liturgy . It has the same meaning as the antimension (altar cloth), without which no liturgy is celebrated. The faithful are blessed with the hand cross, and they revere it at the end of the liturgy.
Individual evidence
- ^ Basic order of the Roman Missal 2002 No. 308.
Web links
- Introduction to ecclesiastical art of the Middle Ages. Contribution from the Humboldt University. ( Memento from May 24, 2008 in the Internet Archive )