A Priest’s Selections

Before we look at specific models, it's important to understand the basics of what makes a cross Orthodox. You can read about it in my complete guide here.

Small Cross

Here on this page, I’ve gathered a collection of Orthodox crosses that I have personally selected for their quality, craftsmanship, and faithful adherence to our sacred tradition. The pectoral cross we wear is perhaps the most constant and quiet sermon in our lives. It’s not merely a piece of jewelry, but a shield of faith and a silent, ever-present reminder of Christ’s boundless love and His victory over death. Faith, after all, isn’t measured in the size of a cross, but in the depth of our connection to the One it represents.

This particular selection is especially intended for children taking their first steps in faith, as well as for any adults who may prefer a cross of a more modest and discreet size. In a world with countless options, I wanted to offer a few choices that I can personally stand behind, ensuring they are both beautifully made and spiritually authentic. May the one you choose be a source of immense strength, comfort, and a tangible sign of God’s loving protection in your daily life.

With its refined craftsmanship and graceful size, this crucifix is an excellent choice for a child or for anyone who prefers a subtle, yet meaningful, expression of their faith. A beautiful and blessed reminder of salvation to keep close every day.
The sharp, pointed edges of this “Passion” crucifix are artistically intentional, evoking the piercing sorrow of the Crucifixion. Its intricate, cut-out design makes the solid gold feel both substantial and delicate, reminding us that Christ’s divine strength was revealed through profound vulnerability.
The beauty of this linear crucifix lies in its profound simplicity. Its clean, contemporary lines present the timeless truth of the Cross with quiet confidence, reminding us that the most essential articles of faith require no ornamentation.
The use of two-tone gold in this crucifix is deeply symbolic, reflecting the two natures of Christ. The radiant yellow gold of the Cross speaks to His divine glory, while the luminous white gold of the corpus represents His glorified human nature, uniting divinity and humanity in the ultimate act of love.
The textured, almost rugged surface of this crucifix gives it a tangible sense of history and reality. It’s a reminder that the Cross was not an abstract symbol, but a physical object of wood and nails, and that our salvation was won through a real, historical event—a profound act of love etched into time itself.
This crucifix, with its unique bark-like texture, beautifully evokes the image of the Cross as the Tree of Life. It serves as a powerful reminder that from the wood of Christ’s sacrifice, the fruit of eternal life is offered to all humanity.
The delicate, lace-like border of this crucifix frames the central image of Christ’s sacrifice, much like an ornate frame enhances a masterpiece. This detail reminds us that the Crucifixion, though an event of immense suffering, is also the Church’s most treasured and beautiful truth—a divine work of art that reveals the depth of God’s love for us.
The distinct, rounded ends of this crucifix soften its otherwise stark geometry, subtly reminding us of the gentle and approachable nature of Christ. It speaks to the truth that even in the midst of suffering, His divine love embraces the world with tenderness and compassion.
The trefoil ends of this crucifix, resembling three budding leaves, are a beautiful and classic symbol of the Holy Trinity. Each point reminds us that the act of salvation on the Cross is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, united in their love for humanity.
The brilliant, polished finish of this golden crucifix reflects the light, serving as a visual metaphor for Christ as the “Light of the World.” It’s a humble yet powerful reminder that His teachings illuminate our path, and His sacrifice dispels the darkness of sin, guiding us toward the eternal light of the Heavenly Kingdom.
This three-bar cross is a profound summary of the Gospel story, rich in theological meaning. The top bar represents the plaque bearing Christ’s inscription, the middle bar is for His outstretched arms, embracing all of humanity, and the slanted footrest below speaks a silent sermon: it points up, toward Paradise for the repentant, and down, toward condemnation for the unrepentant, reminding us that the Cross is the ultimate moral crossroads for every human soul.
This crucifix is beautifully designed for both public witness and private devotion. While the front proclaims the central truth of our salvation for all to see, the prayer inscribed on the back rests against the heart—a silent, constant, and personal conversation with God that you carry throughout your day.
A baptismal cross is the first piece of spiritual armor a new Christian receives. In the Orthodox tradition, this cross isn’t just a gift; it is a seal of faith and a shield for the soul as it begins its lifelong journey. Its simple, unadorned design is a powerful reminder that the unblemished victory of Christ is the only defense we truly need.
This cross harmoniously combines two shades of gold, and this is not just an artistic device, but a profound theological symbol. The two colors of the metal visually remind us of the two natures of Jesus Christ—divine and human—united in Him “inseparably, unchangeably, inseparably.” This small work of art is a silent sermon on the greatest mystery of the Incarnation, which we carry close to our hearts.
The striking contrast between the yellow and white gold on this crucifix is a powerful visual sermon on the dual nature of Christ. The radiant yellow gold speaks of His eternal divinity and heavenly glory, while the pure white gold represents His sinless human nature, taken on for our salvation. This cross is a beautiful reminder that in Christ, God and Man are perfectly and indivably united.
This cross, in its elegant simplicity, beautifully articulates a core tenet of Orthodox theology. The absence of the corpus (the body of Christ) is a deliberate and powerful statement: we venerate the Cross not as an instrument of death, but as an emblem of Christ’s ultimate victory. It is an empty throne, a sign of the Resurrection, reminding us that our faith is founded not on a tragedy, but on the triumphant, life-giving power of our risen Lord.
This cross is beautifully rendered as an outline, a visual echo of the empty tomb. It reminds us that our faith is defined not by an absence, but by the glorious and life-giving presence of the Risen Christ, whose victory gives shape and meaning to our world.

The trefoil design at the ends of this cross adds a layer of Trinitarian theology to the central message of the Crucifixion. It’s a subtle but powerful reminder that our salvation flows from the perfect love and unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a divine plan of redemption in which each Person of the Trinity participates.
This crucifix’s small and slender profile is reminiscent of a key. And indeed, the Cross is the master key to life’s greatest mysteries—it unlocks the meaning of suffering, opens the gates of Paradise, and reveals the profound depth of God’s love for us.
The delicate and precise design of this cross reflects the profound order and beauty of God’s creation. It’s a reminder that our faith is not built on chaos or chance, but on the intricate, purposeful, and loving plan of a divine Architect, whose wisdom is revealed in every detail of the universe, and most perfectly on the Cross.
The elongated, slender form of this crucifix draws the eye upward, naturally guiding our thoughts toward Heaven. Its elegant proportions serve as a quiet but constant reminder of the vertical dimension of our faith—the connection between God and humanity that was restored through the Cross.
The baroque pearl at the heart of this cross is a magnificent sermon in itself. Unlike a flawless, manufactured bead, its beauty lies in its unique, organic form—a powerful reminder that God’s grace perfects us not by erasing our individuality, but by transforming it. A pearl is born from a wound, a trial patiently endured, echoing the truth that through the life-giving Cross, our own sufferings can be transfigured into something precious and beautiful for the Kingdom of Heaven.
This remarkable crucifix places the Crucifixion within a brilliant sunburst of divine light. The design powerfully illustrates an Orthodox perspective: the Cross is not the absence of God’s glory, but its most intense focal point. It reminds us that we worship a Christ whose suffering on the Cross is inseparable from the radiant, uncreated light of His divinity—a light that pierces all darkness.
The artistry of this cross lies in its beautiful form—a single, unbroken line looping to create the sacred symbol. This design serves as a powerful metaphor for the infinite nature of Christ’s love and the eternal consequences of His sacrifice. It reminds us that the power of the Cross is not confined to a single moment in history, but is a continuous, life-giving reality for all time.
This crucifix presents a minimalist and stylized corpus, which invites contemplation rather than depicting graphic suffering. The gentle, almost serene posture of the form reminds us that while the Passion was an act of profound agony, it was also a voluntary and loving act of self-offering. It emphasizes the divine peace and unwavering resolve with which Christ embraced the Cross for the sake of our salvation.
This necklace beautifully captures one of the most profound truths of the spiritual life. A natural pearl is formed around a wound, an irritant that the oyster transforms into a thing of beauty. So too, this pearl heart, resting upon the Cross, is a powerful reminder that through Christ’s sacrifice, our own wounds, sorrows, and struggles can be redeemed and transfigured into something precious. It is a visual sermon on the alchemy of grace, echoing the parable of the “pearl of great price”—the Kingdom of Heaven, for which the Lord gave everything.
This cross is not merely an object, but a small window into Paradise. Its intricate patterns are a testament to the superabundant life that pours forth from Christ’s victory, reminding us that the Kingdom of Heaven is a place of unimaginable beauty and divine glory.
The blend of finishes on this cross is a beautiful sermon in metal. The polished surfaces reflect the bright glory of God’s Kingdom, texture speaks of the quiet humility needed in prayer, and the sparkling echo the inextinguishable joy of the Resurrection. It’s a reminder that our faith encompasses moments of brilliance, quiet contemplation, and profound joy.
This cross is more than a symbol; it is a prayer worn close to the heart. The inscription “Save and Protect” in Church Slavonic is a constant, quiet invocation, asking for God’s grace and protection in every moment of our lives.
This cross perfectly embodies a central Orthodox hymn: “Before Your Cross we bow, O Master, and Your Holy Resurrection we glorify!” For us, the Cross is never a symbol of defeat; it is the very source of the Resurrection, the beginning of a life that never ends.
In the Orthodox tradition, the Crucifix is not a depiction of despair, but of triumphant sacrifice. This beautifully detailed cross reminds us that through His suffering, Christ conquered death, granting us the promise of eternal life.
The courage a Christian finds is not in self-confidence, but in the confidence that Christ is always with us. This small, discreet cross serves as a powerful, intimate reminder that because of His victory, we can face any of life’s challenges.
The inscriptions on this Orthodox cross are a powerful, silent proclamation. The letters ‘IС ХС’ at the ends of the crossbar identify the one crucified as Jesus Christ, a fundamental confession of faith. Above His head, ‘IНЦI’ represents the plaque ordered by Pilate, stating His title: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” What was intended by earthly powers as a title of scorn is proclaimed by the Church as a statement of ultimate truth: His throne is the Cross, and His crown is woven from thorns, establishing a kingdom not of force, but of sacrificial love.
The abalone shell inlaid in this cross is a beautiful symbol of the living mystery of our faith. Its iridescent colors, shifting and changing with the light, are a profound reminder that the truth of God is not a single, static point but a vibrant, multifaceted reality that reveals its beauty in countless ways. To wear it is to carry a piece of creation’s splendor, reflecting the ever-changing, ever-dazzling light of Christ in the world.
To wear this cross is to carry a shield of faith. The prayer “Save and Protect” on its reverse side is a personal appeal to God, turning a beautiful piece of sacred art into an intimate dialogue with our Creator.
This crucifix is not merely an object of devotion; it is a hymn rendered in steel. The prayer inscribed upon it—”Before Your Cross we bow, O Master, and Your Holy Resurrection we glorify!”—is the very heart of the Orthodox faith. It teaches us that the Cross and the empty tomb are two parts of a single, triumphant mystery. To venerate the Cross is to celebrate the Resurrection, for one is meaningless without the other. To wear this cross is to carry this hymn with you, a constant, silent affirmation that our ultimate hope is found not in suffering, but in the victory that followed.
The words “Save and Protect” encompass the core of the Christian hope: salvation for our souls in eternity and preservation from evil in our earthly life. This cross is a profound reminder of God’s all-encompassing care for us.
This sterling silver cross is a quiet conversation with God, made tangible. While the front depicts the ultimate act of redemptive love, the reverse holds the simple yet profound prayer, “Спаси и Сохрани” (“Save and Protect”). It is more than an emblem of faith; it is a personal shield, a constant, silent petition for divine guardianship worn close to the heart.
Here, artistry and faith are seamlessly united. The detailed depiction of the Crucifixion invites contemplation, while the prayer inscribed on the back offers comfort, making this cross a complete expression of Orthodox spirituality.
Crafted in pure sterling silver, the clean, uncluttered lines of this cross reflect the clarity of a simple prayer. It is a profoundly elegant and humble expression of an unadorned and sincere faith.
Like the mustard seed to which Christ compared the Kingdom of Heaven, this small cross is a potent symbol of a faith that can move mountains. Its humble size serves as a beautiful reminder that the greatest spiritual strength is often found in simplicity.
This cross is designed for constant companionship, serving as a gentle and unobtrusive reminder of Christ’s presence throughout your day. Its modest elegance makes it a perfect, personal anchor for your faith in all of life’s circumstances.
This stainless steel cross is a beautiful and concise expression of Orthodox theology. The three-bar design and the inscription “IC XC NIKA” (“Jesus Christ Conquers”) are not merely decorative; they are a direct and powerful confession of faith. The sturdiness of the steel reflects the unwavering and eternal nature of Christ’s victory on the Cross.
To wear a cross is to have a quiet, constant conversation with God. This graceful piece is perfect for a subtle yet profound statement of faith, keeping the symbol of salvation and hope close to your heart.
The vibrant blue enamel on this (the so-called St. Olga) cross is not merely decorative; it is a profound theological statement. In Orthodox tradition, blue is the color of the heavens, of transcendence, and of divine life. By inlaying the Cross with this celestial color, the artist reminds us that the instrument of Christ’s earthly suffering is simultaneously our gateway to heavenly glory and the source of eternal life itself.