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Recently, I noticed that this blog shows up when people are asking “wearing chi-rho the same as wearing a cross.”
For this reason, I decided to share my knowledge with you.
In this article, I will cover whether there is any difference between wearing either one of the symbols, and in that case, which one it might be.
Both, however, are Christian symbols.
If you like to get more information, you need to read my entire article to figure out if wearing chi-rho is the same as wearing a cross.
The Chi-Rho Symbol Is the Oldest of the Two
According to my knowledge, as well as the research I did before I published my article, the Chi-Rho symbol is the oldest one.
It goes back to the pre-Christian area.
Inscriptions have been found in the Mediterranian, in the Middle East, and as far away as India, which make it one of the oldest symbols that has been spread across most of the world.
From the beginning, it was a pagan symbol which marked a particularly important passage or page in a book.
However, in the West, the Chi-Rho symbol became associated with Christianity thanks to a specific person who rose to power in what was then known as “the known world”, aka the Roman Empire.
That specific person was emperor Constantine.
It was made into one of the official emperor insignias after his death in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, where he defeated his rival for the imperial throne, Maxentius.
Something, that has been lost in the fog of time, happened around noon on that day that made Maxentius army flee in panic.
It resulted in the drowning of Maxentius, and secured Constantine’s victory.
According to the author of Constantine’s memoir, Eusebius of Caesarea, Christ appeared to Constantine in a dream the night before the battle.
He told him to made a replica of the sign that has appeared in the sky.
Eusebius writes that Constantine, as well as his entire army, witnessed a miracle that day.
A cross of light appeared in the sky around noon with the words “In this sign – Conquer!”
The sign was Chi-Rho which proved that Christ was the One God.
Ever since that day, Christians have used the Chi-Rho symbol, also known as the Labarum.
Chi-Rho is also the two first letters of the Greek Christos, which means Christ, and Greek is the original language of the New Testament as well.
Here are more information about the Chi-Rho symbol.
The first time I heard the story that I have shared with you above was when I studied the history of the Church at the University.
It made a huge impact on me.
After all, the blog you’re on is Chi-Rho Dating, which makes it a part of the story of the everyday use of the Chi-Rho symbol as well.
The Cross Symbol
The cross is the most well-known Christian symbol together with the crucifix.
They are probably the two even non-Christians would easily recognize.
The difference between the two is that on a crucifix you see the crucified Jesus, but a cross has nothing on it.
They do have different meaning as well.
The crucifix is a reminder of the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, who according to the Gospels, and Christians like myself, is the Messiah (anointed), the promised Saviour.
However, the cross stands for the resurrection of Christ, which you can read more about in this article that I wrote for Easter.
So now, once I have shared my knowledge with you, let me return to the original question: Is wearing Chi-Rho the same as wearing a cross?
My Response to Whether Wearing Chi-Rho Is the Same As Wearing a Cross
No, it is not the same thing but it is similar if you’re a Christian.
Wearing the cross or crucifix means that you wear it to remember something that marks a significant event in history to you.
It is a symbol of remembrance, as well as a testament to your faith.
Here are my own personal reasons for wearing the cross.
Wearing Chi-Rho, on the other hand, means that you belong to Jesus.
His name has been mentioned next to yours when you were baptised, following his commandment. (Matthew 28:18ff)
It means that he is the one who you belongs to (Jeremiah 32:18).
After all, this is just being as Christian as anyone else who wears a crucifix or a cross around his or her neck.
I hope I have clarified it for you.
Take care, and have a blessed day,
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