Byzantine Crucifix in lightly hand-painted cold cast bronze from Veronese Collection. Byzantine also refers as Orthodox, or Slavonic wall crucifix 17.5″ inches high.
Byzantine Crucifix represents Christ’s execution for the sins of humanity. There is a lower crossbar placed at a sharp angle to the main vertical post of the Cross. As you look out from the Cross, the right side of the crossbar is higher and symbolizes the second coming of Christ, life for believers and death for nonbelievers.
The slanted crossbar also speaks to the two thieves who were crucified to either side of Christ. In Scripture, the thief to Christ’s right begged forgiveness and was promised, by Christ, eternal life (Lk 23:39-43). Thus, the raised side of the crossbar to the Cross’ right. Likewise, to the Cross’ left, was the thief who taunted Christ.
Between the two thieves Thy Cross did prove to be a balance of righteousness: wherefore one of them was dragged down to Hades by the weight of his blasphemy; whereas the other was lightened of his transgressions unto the comprehension of theology. O Christ God, glory to Thee.
