Processional Cross

Unknown

6th century, with modern restoration · Silver, mounted on wood · Medieval Art

One of the largest early crosses to survive, this severely simple work is part of the Antioch Treasure displayed in the case to the left. Crosses were carried in church processions. In Syria, monumental crosses were also prominently mounted in churches, before the altar. Inscribed on the face of the cross is the Trisagion, or thrice-holy hymn, sung at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy: “God is Holy, the All-Powerful is Holy, the Immortal is Holy.” Some believe that the refrain was developed in Antioch; its first recorded chanting was by the bishops of Antioch at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. On the back of the cross is the proud statement of its donation “in fulfillment of a vow of Herodotos and Komitas, [sons] of Pantaleon.”

Artist

Unknown

Date

6th century, with modern restoration

Medium

Silver, mounted on wood

Culture

Syrian

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Fletcher Fund, 1950