Though the cross is one of the simplest of
forms, it is probably the most poignant. For
Christians, the cross is the most potent symbol
in existence, representing the earthly suffering,
spiritual liberation, resurrection, and eternal life
of Jesus Christ. The fact that an instrument of
death was turned into a symbol of spiritual
rebirth is amazing in itself. This large cross was
given to a church as the fulfillment of a vow
made by an individual named Demetrios. The
inscription in Greek on the obverse reads
vertically and then horizontally: “UPER EUCHES
DIMETRIOU MERONOS,” and can be translated as:
"in fulfillment of Demetrios Meronos' vow;" the
reverse is plain. The slender, flaring arms are
decorated with small roundels on each corner
and are marked off on both faces by incised lines
near the outer edges. The tang for inserting the
cross into a base or on top of a standard has
been reinforced in antiquity, suggesting that it
was frequently utilized. We may wonder what
were the vows undertaked by Demetrios that the
inscription refers to. Sometimes, people
suffering from illnesses, upon being healed
through the powers of prayer, have shown their
gratitude by bestowing gifts to the church.
Perhaps Demetrios promised god that if he was
healed, he would commission a beautiful cross
for the church? This fascinating relic is a
glimpse back into the Byzantine age, invoking
the spirit of a long departed individual whose
memorial may have otherwise been lost to us.
- (X.0038)
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