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OrthodoxChristianity.net > Moderated Forums > Convert Issues (Moderator: Thomas) > Topic: Baptism Crosses
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RLNM
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RLNM
« on: April 11, 2008, 02:07:28 PM »
The answer to my question is probably on this board, but I'm not doing a very good job at finding it. And, this may not be the best board, it is just my best guess.

I want to explain the value, meaning, and purpose of a Baptism/Chrismation cross to my children.  (Actually, what is the best way to refer to it?) But, I don't have any words for it.

Although I grew up Orthodox, I've had so little genuine instruction, I know less than most Catachumins (I know, my spelling is terrible. You should see it without the spellchecker!  laugh).

Can someone give me a sort of simple explaination for my kids, and then a place to get better answers for myself?
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drewmeister2
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« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2008, 02:20:45 PM »
One way you might try to explain it is that a baptismal cross is sort of like a wedding ring in a sense.  St. John Chrysostom talks about how in baptism, our souls are married to Christ, with Christ being the bridegroom.  Just as when two people are married they wear rings showing they now belong to each other, so our baptismal cross shows we now belong to Christ.  And just as we ideally should wear a wedding ring forever, so should we wear our baptismal crosses forever. 

I hope that helps!
« Last Edit: April 12, 2008, 02:22:58 PM by drewmeister2 » Logged
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RLNM
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RLNM
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2008, 02:50:04 PM »
Thanks for the suggestion. I like how that is put.
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Seamus
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« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2008, 01:34:16 AM »
Quote from: drewmeister2 on April 12, 2008, 02:20:45 PM
One way you might try to explain it is that a baptismal cross is sort of like a wedding ring in a sense.  St. John Chrysostom talks about how in baptism, our souls are married to Christ, with Christ being the bridegroom.  Just as when two people are married they wear rings showing they now belong to each other, so our baptismal cross shows we now belong to Christ.  And just as we ideally should wear a wedding ring forever, so should we wear our baptismal crosses forever. 

I hope that helps!

Awesome. I like that explanation. I didn't know you kept the baptismal cross, though.
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aurelia
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« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2008, 07:20:51 AM »
Beautiful explanation!

Why would you not keep the baptismal cross, its a gift from the godparents, and usually quite costly as well.  I hope my kids not only wear them frequently (when they are older of course) but that they use them for their weddings etc as well!
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Seamus
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St. James
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2008, 10:29:18 AM »
Quote from: aurelia on April 14, 2008, 07:20:51 AM
Beautiful explanation!

Why would you not keep the baptismal cross, its a gift from the godparents, and usually quite costly as well.  I hope my kids not only wear them frequently (when they are older of course) but that they use them for their weddings etc as well!


Wow, I didn't know that.

And I come from a Protestant background, so I'm not used to the baptismal crosses and.... Most everything in the Orthodox Church haha.
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Come, let us wonder at the virgin most pure, wondrous in herself, unique in creation, she gave birth, yet knew no man; her pure soul with wonder was filled, daily her mind gave praise in joy at the twofold wonder: her virginity preserved, her child most dear. Blessed is He who shone forth from her!
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