What is the name of the Georgian cross?

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Anastasia Krutikova

Member

11 Oct 2023 301 29 16 Hello, dear forum users. I recently started studying the culture and traditions of Georgia and came across a question about the features of the Georgian cross. I found information about the cross of St. Nina and the Bolnisi cross, but it is difficult for me to understand the difference between them and their historical significance. What are the features of the Georgian cross and what historical and spiritual meanings does it carry? If you have knowledge or experience in this area, I would be very grateful for your help. Your help and advice can be very useful for me and other forum members who are also interested in this issue. Thank you in advance for any information and advice!

Hope

Member

18 Dec 2023 300 30 16 The Cross of St. Nina and the Bolnisi Cross are two of the most famous symbols of Georgia and both are important historical and spiritual attributes of Georgian culture.
The cross of St. Nina, also known as the “cross of the holy healer,” is a symbol of the adoption of Christianity by the Georgian people. According to legend, in the 4th century, St. Nina, a famous missionary and woman healer, brought a wooden cross to Georgia, which she strengthened with grape branches. Thanks to this symbol, many people began to accept Christianity, and Georgia became the first state to adopt Christianity as the state religion. St. Nina’s cross has an “X” shape, known as the “Georgian cross.”
The Bolnisi cross is a traditional cross that decorates Georgian churches and monasteries. This cross is called “Bolnisi” because its original image is located in the Ambrosian Church in Milan (Italy). He was introduced to Georgia by a close friend of Heraclius II, the King of Imereti, in the 18th century. Most of the crosses we see in Georgia are based on this pattern. The Bolnisi cross is shaped like a “T”, with an additional cross beam on the top of the cross.
Both crosses have important historical and spiritual significance for the Georgian people. They are symbols of Christianity and faith of the Georgian nation. For centuries, Georgian crosses served not only a religious function, but also symbolized the unity, peace and spiritual heritage of Georgia.

Mikhailova_Olga

Member

14 Jan 2024 601 51 16 Hello, dear forum users. I recently started studying the culture and traditions of Georgia and came across a question about the features of the Georgian cross. I found information about the cross of St. Nina and the Bolnisi cross, but it is difficult for me to understand the difference between them and their historical significance. What are the features of the Georgian cross and what historical and spiritual meanings does it carry? If you have knowledge or experience in this area, I would be very grateful for your help. Your help and advice can be very useful for me and other forum members who are also interested in this issue. Thank you in advance for any information and advice! Hello!
The Georgian Cross, also known as the “Georgian Sun Cross”, is an important symbol in the culture and history of Georgia. This cross has a unique shape and deep symbolic meanings:

1. The form: The Georgian cross is usually a cross in which the ends of the arms and legs are equal and end in triangles, giving it the shape of a cross with extended arms.
2. Sun rays: The rays emanating from the ends of the cross are associated with the rays of the sun. This emphasizes light and goodness and can also symbolize Christian theology, representing the light of Christ who came into the world.
3. Christianity: The Georgian sun cross is an important Christian symbol. Georgia adopted Christianity as the state religion in the 4th century, becoming one of the first states to accept Christianity.
4. Cultural heritage: The Georgian cross symbol also reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage and long history. It is part of traditions and national identity.
5. Protection and Unity: The Georgian cross is often seen as a symbol of protection and unity of the Georgian people. In difficult times, it can serve as a source of inspiration and unity.

1. Cross of St. Nina:
   • The form: The cross of St. Nino is often depicted as seven or eight branches with a rotating ring representing the sun.
   • History: It is believed that Saint Nina used such a cross, representing the sun, to attract the attention and bring the Georgian king Mirian III to Christianity.
   • Significance: This cross has become a symbol of the introduction of Christianity to Georgia and is widely used in religious and cultural contexts.
2. Bolnisi Cross:
   • The form: The Bolnisi cross has four equal arms and a round center. It is also often surrounded by a ring.
   • History: The Bolnisi Cross is associated with the history of the construction of the Svetitskhoveli Temple in the city of Mtskheta, which is one of the main centers of Georgian Christianity. Saint Nina brought a piece of the Holy Cross to Mtskheta, and the cross was created at this place.
   • Significance: The Bolnisi cross became a symbol of Svetitskhoveli and Georgian Christianity in general. It is used in various religious and cultural contexts, as well as in temple architecture.

Svetlana S

Member

10 Apr 2024 300 0 16

The Cross of St. Nina and the Bolnisi Cross are two of the most famous symbols of Georgia and both are important historical and spiritual attributes of Georgian culture.
The cross of St. Nina, also known as the “cross of the holy healer,” is a symbol of the adoption of Christianity by the Georgian people. According to legend, in the 4th century, St. Nina, a famous missionary and woman healer, brought a wooden cross to Georgia, which she strengthened with grape branches. Thanks to this symbol, many people began to accept Christianity, and Georgia became the first state to adopt Christianity as the state religion. St. Nina’s cross has an “X” shape, known as the “Georgian cross.”
The Bolnisi cross is a traditional cross that decorates Georgian churches and monasteries. This cross is called “Bolnisi” because its original image is located in the Ambrosian Church in Milan (Italy). He was introduced to Georgia by a close friend of Heraclius II, the King of Imereti, in the 18th century. Most of the crosses we see in Georgia are based on this pattern. The Bolnisi cross is shaped like a “T”, with an additional cross beam on the top of the cross.
Both crosses have important historical and spiritual significance for the Georgian people. They are symbols of Christianity and faith of the Georgian nation. For centuries, Georgian crosses served not only a religious function, but also symbolized the unity, peace and spiritual heritage of Georgia.

The symbolism of the Georgian cross has deep historical and religious meanings. Here are some of them:

1. Cross:
– The upper horizontal beam symbolizes the inscription placed above the head of Christ on the Cross: “King of the Jews.”
– The vertical beam represents the pillar of the Cross on which Christ was crucified.
– The lower horizontal beam represents the foot of the Cross.

2. Cross colors:
– The red color symbolizes the blood and suffering of Christ.
– The color black represents the earth and the death of Christ.
– White color represents light and divinity.

3. Ring around the cross:
– The ring surrounding the cross symbolizes the unity and integrity of the Church.

4. Handle of the cross:
– The handle at the bottom of the cross symbolizes the power and supremacy of Christ over the world.

The Georgian cross is widely used in Georgian culture and religious rituals. Its shape and symbolism reflect Georgia’s deep Christian beliefs and historical heritage as one of the oldest Christian countries.

About the product: Georgian cross of St. Nina vine, Georgian made of silver. High quality finish and excellent detailing. Dimensions: 45mm x 20mm x 4mm. Internal ear size: 5 x 7mm.

Approximate weight: 4,5g Material: 925 silver. Overall dimensions: 45mm x 20mm x 4mm Internal eyelet size: 5 x 7mm Manufacturing technique: miniature relief, manual, artistic oxidation Delivery time: 1 – 3 days Contents: canvas bag Collection: Georgian Recommendations: for men, for women All characteristics

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Georgian cross of St. Nina. Vine.

Georgian cross St. Nina – a cross woven from grapevine. According to legend, the Mother of God appeared to Saint Nina in a dream and handed her a cross before sending her to missionary work in Georgia. The Cross of St. Nina is the main shrine of the Georgian Church.

The cross of Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina is easy to recognize: the ends of its horizontal crossbar are lowered down and in appearance it resembles an abbot’s or bishop’s staff. It is made entirely of vines and at the junction of the crossbars is intertwined with the hair of St. Nina.

In iconography, the Equal-to-the-Apostles enlightener of Georgia is usually depicted with a characteristic cross and the Gospel in her hands.

The Mother of God appeared to the girl in a dream. She handed Saint Nina a cross woven from a grapevine and said: “Go to Iberia and preach the Gospel. This cross will be your shield from all visible and invisible enemies.” When the saint woke up, the same cross lay next to her. And so it happened.

Before this, pagan Iveria, through the labors of Saint Nina, accepted Christianity. The saint spent 35 years of her life preaching the Gospel in this country, and for these works the Church calls her Equal-to-the-Apostles Nina, the enlightener of Georgia.

Since childhood, Nina dreamed of finding the Chiton (robes) of Jesus Christ. She devoted most of her life to the search for this great shrine. The saint found the tunic of Jesus Christ, and on this site – in the city of Mtskheta – a wooden temple was built, and later – a stone cathedral in honor of the 12 apostles.

Georgian cross St. Nina of the Russian cross company is made very realistically. It’s as if two real grape branches are woven together. Superb detail. The cross is suitable for a boy or girl, man or woman, anyone who likes it.

Our warranties:

1. 100% adherence to the canon of the Orthodox Church. Even the smallest curl on the ornament is thoroughly checked.
2. Our own production guarantees high quality products. We found a defect, we will exchange the product without any questions.
3. 100% 925 silver, which is confirmed by registration documents in GIIS DMDK (State Integrated Information System in the field of control over the circulation of precious metals and precious stones).

Our advantages are:

1. Easy product return. If our product does not suit you, you can return it to us within 7 days.
2. We also work on individual orders; our craftsmen and artists can complete any task. Pectoral crosses, tabernacles, anointing brushes, boxes, icons and icon cases and much more made of semi-precious stone and metal.
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By purchasing from us you receive:

1. Author’s product. Each item has its own author, its own surname. This is especially true for individual products.
2. Each product leaving the hands of our craftsmen is confirmed by a guarantee certificate. This is another reason for us to be proud of the high level of production.
3. Manual processing of metal, stone or wood. Over 15 years of work, we have become convinced that only manual processing can give decent quality, for which you will not be ashamed.
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Elizabeth / 02.12.2020/18/48 at XNUMX:XNUMX

A wonderful cross with very detailed work on the details (on the back side too, so there is nowhere to engrave). The sizes correspond to the declared ones. Sample, seal, tag – everything is in place. It arrived in Volgograd in a week. Very pleased, thank you very much. Sorry, you can’t attach photos.

Sofia / 26.06.2020/00/06 at XNUMX:XNUMX

Magnificent cross! I have been looking for a cross for a long time to fit my soul. I liked this cross from the photo, but when I saw it in person, I held it in my hands. I couldn’t part with him anymore. I don’t know, maybe because I have Georgian roots.