Engraved Byzantine Cross Pendant CRUCIFIXION. TETRAMORPH, Sterling Silver deals & 24K Gold Plated, Master Jeweler Yuri Fedorov

Size: 26×17,5 mm / 1.02×0.69 in
Weight: ~ 4,7 g / 0.17 oz

Cross pendant “Crucifixion. Tetramorph”

This cross pendant is an excellent gift for any loved one, as its content is relevant for every Christian. The composition and the very shape of the cross, point at the universal significance of the Gospel and of Christ's Resurrection. In addition, the gilded silver pendant strikes a fine balance between simplicity and elegance of form. As a result, it is convenient to wear and is suitable for any occasion.

Symbolism of the cross pendant “Crucifixion. Tetramorph”

The overall shape of the cross is formed by five circles – in other words, the circle serves as the primary and only shape-building element. In this particular instance, the circle is the symbol for that which is boundless and has no beginning and no end. As such, it represents “the Creator of heaven and earth”, while the cross symbolizes the earth and sacrifice.

When four extra circles protrude from the central one and form a cross, as in our case, the shape stands for the Incarnation and Sacrifice of the Lord. At the same time, it symbolizes the transfiguration and deification of the world. One the front one can see the Crucifixion and the Theotokos and John the Evangelist standing before the Savior in prayer. The Savior, crucified on an eight-pointed cross, is inside the central circle. Here the combination of the cross and the circle demonstrates that the sacrifice of the “Son of Man” was universal. At the same time, it shows the Crucifixion as the sacrifice of God.The figure of the Crucified Savior is surrounded by a halo of glory, showing Christ as the Lord Almighty, the King of Glory.

The iconography of the Crucified Savior used on our cross is known as the Triumphant Christ. The straight figure of the Savior is standing on a three-dimensional foot. According to Byzantine ceremonial rules, the foot signified the greatness of the person being depicted. In different interpretations of the Scripture the foot, as the most essential part of the cross, was often taken to represent the Holy Cross in its entirety. On our cross, the importance of the foot is further emphasized by the geometric patterns along the edges.

The reverse of the cross is dedicated to the glorification of God and union with Him in the Eucharist. The vocation of every Christian is to become a saint, and a saint is a liturgical being. According to St. Maximus the Confessor, a human being is someone who, in singing the Trisagion, joins the angelic choirs in their “eternal and constant movement around God as they glorify and sing praise to the One God in Three Persons in their triple hymns”. In this case, such Eucharistic praise is represented by the mysterious six-winged creature, the tetramorph, depicted within the central circle. The name itself suggests that it consists of four distinct images: a man, an eagle, a lion and a bull. This being is mentioned by the prophet Ezekiel (Ezek. 1:10) and the Apostle John (Rev. 4:6-8). Its main purpose is to stand before the Throne of God and to continually cry out: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord, the God Almighty”.

The remaining three circles contain the text of the Trisagion: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us”.

In contrast to the angelic praise, this prayer comes from a regular person. It is the prayer of someone who wishes to glorify God but is aware of their sinfulness and pleads for salvation.

Furthermore, the four apocalyptic animals are regarded as the symbolic counterparts of the Evangelists. According to St. Jerome (4th century), the lion is Mark, the eagle is John, the man is Matthew and the bull is Luke. Moreover, they are the symbols and guardians of the four cardinal directions, or parts of the world. The four creatures may also stand for the four elements that constitute the material world: fire, water, air and earth. Sometimes, the Holy Fathers of the Church provided other interpretations of the tetramorph, making a symbolic link to Christ Himself. St. Ephrem the Syrian (4th century) and St. Gregory the Great (6th century) considered it to symbolize the different phases of Christ's life. In the opinion of the two saints, Christ was a man at birth, a sacrificial calf at death, a lion at resurrection and an eagle at ascension. According to St. Herman of Constantinople (8th century), the four creatures signify the activities or properties of Christ: deals “The first, which is akin to a lion, represents His might and royal power. The second, which is akin to a calf, indicates His priestly rank. The third, which has a human face, clearly points at His coming as a man. And the fourth, which is akin to a soaring eagle, points at the gift through the Holy Spirit.”

The spherical edges of our cross and the fixed barrel-shaped top are decorated with a floral ornament in the Byzantine style. This is an allusion to the heavenly Tree of Life, which points at the life-giving quality of the Holy Cross.

Technical details of the cross pendant “Crucifixion. Tetramorph”

The cross is crafted from grade-925 sterling silver and decorated with blackening. The outer edge and the rounded top part are covered with 24kt gold plating. On either side of the gilded top part there run two bands of little ungilded metal grains.

The cross is quite small, with dimensions of 1.02×0.69 in (26×17,5 mm) and a weight of 0.17 oz (4.7 g). This makes it convenient to wear either on or under one's clothing.

About Master Jeweler Yuri Feodorov

Yuri Feodorov has spent over 35 years working with small sculptural items of an iconographic nature. He has created several collections of personal sacred items produced using a special casting technique, including cross pendants, scapulars and foldable icons. In addition, the artist has studied ancient Russian and Byzantine art and participatied in archaeological expeditions and thematic exhibitions of Orthodox artwork.

Y. Feodorov's collection is constantly exhibited at jewelry exhibitions and exhibitions of Orthodox items in Russia and abroad.

The artist's work has received numerous awards, including several orders from the Carl Faberge Memorial Foundation. Y. Feodorov has repeatedly received incentives from the Russian Orthodox Church and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and won prizes at various exhibitions and contests.

It is important to mention that this item is made in Y. Feodorov's workshops and together with the hallmark imprinted on the item it also has the passport of authenticity (shown in the picture).