The pectoral cross is an important attribute of Christianity. It is worn after the ordinance of baptism in the temple. However, over time, many people stop wearing a pectoral cross around their necks, justifying the act by inconvenience, unwillingness to advertise their religious affiliation, etc. But what does the Orthodox Church think about this - is it necessary or not for a baptized person to wear a cross?
Can a baptized person walk without a cross?
The cross is one of the most significant symbols of Orthodoxy. The priest sanctifies him, endowing him with special spiritual strength. The church cross is able to protect its owner from disease, direct it to the true path, and protect it from the machinations of the Evil One. Therefore, it cannot be called a simple accessory. Since ancient times, Christians have worn it on their bodies under their clothes. Hence the name - underwear. The cross should be on the chest, next to the heart.
A different location of the cross must be due to objective reasons. For example, a person took it off when going for a medical examination or surgery. In such a situation, he does not lose his strength. If a person carries a cross in his pocket or keeps at home in a jewelry box, there will be no benefit from it. Moreover, the cross will gradually lose its strength, eventually turning into the most ordinary piece of metal. For the same reason, you should not wear cross-shaped earrings or rings.
As for the inconveniences caused by wearing a cross, a true believer should not have them. There are now a wide variety of church crosses to suit every taste, size, and budget. Therefore, if you wish, you can always choose something suitable for yourself.
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What do church officials say about wearing a cross?
Hieromonk Job (in the world Afanasy Gumerov) says that a believer must wear a cross around his neck without fail, as this is a tribute to the Christian tradition. In the process of conducting the ordinance of baptism, the priest puts a cross on you with his hand. An unsanctified hand of a layman has no right to take it off. The cross is an integral part of your life. The only thing that is allowed is to replace it with another if necessary. For example, if you accidentally lost it.
The cross is a material confirmation of a person's belonging to Orthodoxy. In addition, he is like a pointed blade in the fight against the forces of evil. A baptized Christian who periodically takes off his pectoral cross or does not wear it at all suffers from lack of faith and a lack of real church consciousness. It is not for nothing that they said about immoral and unprincipled people in Russia: "There is no cross on them."
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