The Nestorian Cross is associated with the
Church of the East. It is composed of a cross similar to the
Maltese cross, with four arms of roughly equal length which narrow in width towards the center of the cross. In Eastern Christian art in China, these crosses are sometimes simplified and depicted as resting on a
lotus flower
''Nelumbo nucifera'', also known as sacred lotus, Laxmi lotus, Indian lotus, or simply lotus, is one of two extant species of aquatic plant in the family Nelumbonaceae. It is sometimes colloquially called a water lily, though this more often re ...
or on a stylized cloud.
Cross of the Assyrian Church of the East
The cross of the
Assyrian Church of the East has three dots lining the left cross-bar, three dots lining the right cross-bar, two dots lining the top bar, and one dot on the bottom bar. These nine dots represent the nine orders of ministry within the church. Between the two dots on the top bar is a crown with three prongs, representing the
Trinity
The Christian doctrine of the Trinity (, from 'threefold') is the central dogma concerning the nature of God in most Christian churches, which defines one God existing in three coequal, coeternal, consubstantial divine persons: God th ...
.
Gallery
References
External links
Mark W. Brown Nestorian Cross Collection (Drew University): OverviewImages
Image: a gilt copper Nestorian plaque dated back to T‘ang dynasty
* http://www.usfca.edu/ricci/events/lotusandcross/index.htm
Nestorianism
Cross symbols
Church of the East
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