Processional Cross



Processional Cross

Processional Cross can be any style; usually elaborate

St. Augustine is often credited as introducing the concept of a Processional Cross. In the 8th century Saint Bede wrote Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum (The Ecclesiastical History of the English People) in which he describes St. Augustine approaching Ethelbert "carrying a silver cross for a standard".

The cross is often surmounted on a staff or handle, long enough for all to see. Traditionally, the handle is removable and when the procession approaches the altar, the handle is detached and the cross is placed on the altar. The foot of the cross may be pointed to fit into the handle and then into a base on the altar. Alternatively, the cross may be transferred to a holder at the back of the altar, hung on a wall behind the altar, or placed somewhere in the vicinity. This may be the origin of the Altar Cross.

The material used to manufacture the cross, and its design, are of much less importance than its function. It is used like a military standard, leading the procession. An exception to this is where the Processional Cross itself has some special importance, for example, as a reliquary.

An example of a Christian procession is seen in Stational Services. (See the Way of the Cross.)

The Processional Cross is larger than the Hand-held Cross and may be a plain, ornate or a Crucifix. In the latter case, the cross-bearer (in Eastern Orthodox monasticism, Stavrophore) holds the cross so that the Corpus is turned in the direction in which the procession is moving. This symbolises Christ leading the procession.

When such a cross is huge enough to represent the True Cross, it will be borne on the shoulder with the base being dragged along the floor. It then may be referred to as a Portate Cross.