Coptic cross facts for kids
The Coptic cross is a special kind of Christian cross used by Coptic Christians. It's a symbol that helps them remember their faith and history.
Contents
What Does the Coptic Cross Look Like?
The most common Coptic cross design has two thick lines. These lines are the same length and cross each other right in the middle. Each end of the lines splits into three points.
The Meaning Behind the Design
These three points on each arm of the cross are very meaningful. They stand for the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.
If you count all the points on the cross, there are 12 in total. These 12 points represent the Apostles of Jesus. Their job was to share the good news of the Christian faith all over the world.
This type of Coptic cross is popular in the Coptic Church. It is also used by the Ethiopian and Eritrean churches. Because of this, you might also hear it called the "Ethiopian cross" or "Axum cross".
Different Kinds of Coptic Crosses
Some older Coptic crosses have a circle around them. Sometimes, the arms of the cross even go through the circle, dividing it into four parts.
A Modern Coptic Cross
In 1984, the Coptic Orthodox Church gave a special modern Coptic cross as a gift. This cross was made of three bars that crossed each other in a 3D way. It was placed on top of the All Africa Conference of Churches building. This was done because the Coptic Church is seen as one of the oldest Christian churches in Africa.
Gallery
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An early Coptic Cross from a book called the Codex Glazier (4th–5th century)
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A 5th-century Coptic stone carving showing a cross with a loop, called a crux ansata
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A wall painting of a jewelled cross from Kellia, Egypt (late 6th century)
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A Coptic cross found at the ancient Egyptian Temple of Philae
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An Ethiopian Orthodox cross used in parades (mid-20th century)
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A Coptic priest holding a small cross used for blessings (Cairo, 2010)
See Also
- Alexandrian rite
