Before answering this delicate question, let’s first try to figure out why you need to wear a cross and what does it give? Indeed, during the sacrament of baptism, a person must wear this symbol, which he must wear all his life. However, it is very important for yourself to understand that the cross is the greatest shrine and a symbol of commitment to Christian Orthodoxy. It was he who became the instrument of the painful execution of Christ the Savior for the feat of atonement from sin and death of all mankind brought by Adam and Eve. Therefore, one who wears the cross with the crucifixion of Christ shows his involvement in the sufferings and deeds of his Lord, who gave all people hope for salvation, and therefore, for the resurrection after death for eternal life in his kingdom.
The symbolism of the cross
For some reason, people very often wonder whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross. And all because they themselves are not able to answer it. They were hammered with all sorts of superstitions and heresy by psychics and fortune-tellers.
But first of all, it is necessary to understand that the pectoral cross - silver, gold or wooden, is not an ornament, a talisman or a beautiful jewelry trinket. This is primarily a symbol of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Ancient body crosses are the most diverse in appearance, but the iconography of the Crucifixion received final dogmatic validity in 692 by the Trulli Cathedral in Constantinople, approved in the 82nd rule. The figure of the Savior was superimposed on the cross. Christ opens his arms to all who turn to Him. In this iconography there are two hypostases - Divine and Human, showing his death and victory. The most common is the shape of the eight-pointed cross, on the back of which the prayer “Save and save” is most often written.
Can I wear someone else's cross?
People who constantly wear a cross on themselves thus give their silent prayer to God, and therefore he serves them as protection from all troubles and demonic misfortunes.
Having examined in more detail the question of whether it is possible to wear someone else's cross, let us dwell on one more point. Its presence on a person’s chest cannot be of any significance unless he is aware of and professes faith in Christ. The cross protects from everyday troubles and difficulties, but above all, it protects us from sin, which is the main tool in the hands of the evil one, always eager to get our soul in power. On one’s own strength, a person can never cope, but with God's help, it will certainly work out. As the holy fathers say: “The enemy is strong, but the Lord is omnipotent!”
Can I wear someone else's cross: priest's answer
The history of the appearance of the body cross is at least a little, but it is already quite understandable. And now we come to the main question: "Can I wear someone else's cross?" This is a very common question for priests who do not approve of superstition. After all, all kinds of psychics forbid doing this, then the question arises: "Why?" They believe that the cross remembers the energy of its owner and absorbs its sins. But why exactly sins, and not virtues? And now let’s go from the opposite, put on the things of the righteous man, but more. And that means that he is already almost holy and has become closer to paradise. As professor of theology A. I. Osipov would say: “Everything, I am already a saint, canonize me faster!”
Sins
And again, if the crosses absorb sins, then let's change them more often. In this way we will be cleansed and rid ourselves of sins. Maybe someone will find and pick up our cross? We will immediately get rid of our sins. A great way to save, isn't it? It creates a feeling of complete absurdity. Sane people should already be clear.
Life cross
In the process of the sacrament of baptism, pectoral church crosses are put on in fulfillment of the Lord’s words: “Whoever wants to follow Me, deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” What is the meaning of these words? This means that we must bear the cross of life placed upon us by the Lord, and the pectoral cross reminds us of this, and he will not let a true believer go astray, he will save and preserve.
Therefore, other people's crosses can be worn. If it was once consecrated, it is not necessary to hallow it twice. If you are not sure, then you should definitely do it. The main thing that is required of a person is a correct spiritual life and the fulfillment of God's commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And love thy neighbor as yourself. ” Such a spiritual life will give that saving grace of God that will heal from passions and sins.
Feat
Carrying a cross is a great honor and responsibility. Over 2000 years, many Christians have suffered for their faith. All that was required of them was to renounce Christ and to remove the pectoral cross from his chest.
The feat of 19-year-old Rodionov Eugene, a simple Russian soldier, not everyone can know. He went to Chechnya and served as a grenade launcher. On February 13, 1996, together with his comrades, he was captured, in which they spent 3.5 months. The militants brutally mocked them. Then Eugene was offered to remove the pectoral cross, convert to Islam and promised that they would not torment him anymore. But he did not submit to their will, and therefore on May 23 in the village of Bamut Rodionov and his friends were brutally executed. Eugene was cut off his head, but they did not dare to remove the cross, even from a dead body.
Conclusion
Rodionov’s great feat should serve as a vivid example for those people who wear a cross (silver or gold) as a decoration or exchange it for different amulets or zodiac signs. But for him people went to certain death, and we must always remember this. After all, Christ left on him the blessed light and love that constantly emanate from him.
The great Russian elders said that a Christian without a cross is like a warrior without a weapon, and therefore the enemy can easily defeat him at any time.