Processional Cross
One of the largest early crosses to survive, this severely simple work is part of the Antioch Treasure displayed in the case to the left. Crosses were carried in church processions. In Syria, monumental crosses were also prominently mounted in churches, before the altar.
Inscribed on the face of the cross is the Trisagion, or thrice-holy hymn, sung at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy: “God is Holy, the All-Powerful is Holy, the Immortal is Holy.” Some believe that the refrain was developed in Antioch; its first recorded chanting was by the bishops of Antioch at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. On the back of the cross is the proud statement of its donation “in fulfillment of a vow of Herodotos and Komitas, [sons] of Pantaleon.”
Inscribed on the face of the cross is the Trisagion, or thrice-holy hymn, sung at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy: “God is Holy, the All-Powerful is Holy, the Immortal is Holy.” Some believe that the refrain was developed in Antioch; its first recorded chanting was by the bishops of Antioch at the Council of Chalcedon in 451. On the back of the cross is the proud statement of its donation “in fulfillment of a vow of Herodotos and Komitas, [sons] of Pantaleon.”
Artwork Details
- Title: Processional Cross
- Date: 6th century, with modern restoration
- Geography: Made in Antioch or Kaper Koraon (?)
- Culture: Syrian
- Medium: Silver, mounted on wood
- Dimensions: Overall: 60 5/8 x 40 1/2 x 2 in. (154 x 102.9 x 5.1 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork-Silver
- Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1950
- Object Number: 50.5.3
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Syrian
500–700
Syrian
6th century, 20th century restorations
Byzantine
550–600
Byzantine
629–630
Byzantine
629–630
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