VINTAGE SOLID STERLING SILVER ORTHODOX CROSS with CHRIST and VIRGIN MARY "ORANS"

Description: Vintage or antique solid sterling silver medium-sized but sturdy (approx. 1 5/16" tall with solid bale; weight approx. 3.2 g) Orthodox Cross pendant featuring a two-sided iconic Cross design with icon of Christ Pantocrator (Greek: Χριστὸς Παντοκράτωρ meaning Christ the Almighty) on the obverse. The reverse shows one of the earliest iconic depictions of the Most Holy Theotokos (Mother of God) known as the "Virgin Orans", "Orans of Kyiv" or "Oranta". The bottom part of the reverse bears two punch marks, one of which displays the "925" hallmark indicating the "sterling" purity. It has been confirmed using the silver acid test. It has visual vintage or antique appearance with signs of aging and wear that might include diminished quality of the artwork, small deformations of its original shape, scratches, dents, and patches of discoloration/dark patina. The size and weight of the pendant are shown on the photographs for this listing.The obverse bears an icon of Christ Pantocrator (also known as the Pantokrator meaning "The Almighty" or "The Ruler") holding the Book of Gospels in His left hand, and giving His Blessing with His right hand. The Savior's head is crowned with large cruciform halo with three small solar symbols. The halo around Christ’s Head is a symbol of the Uncreated Light (Greek: Ἄκτιστον Φῶς), or grace of God shining forth through the icon. The left and right side crossbar ends bear the Sacred Name of Jesus inscribed as the ancient "IC XC" Greek Christogram.The reverse depicts the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary in prayer with extended arms similarly to the highly venerated mosaic icon of Mary known as "Orans of Kyiv" or "Oranta" (please see the last picture for a reference). The left and right side crossbar ends of the pendant bear the traditional four-letter Greek abbreviation "MP ΘY" meaning "Mother of God". The original icon designed as a 6-meter high mosaic located in the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. It has been present in the Cathedral since its foundation by Yaroslav I the Wise in the 11th century. The icon is considered one of the greatest sacred symbols in Ukraine, a palladion defending the people of the country. It has been called an "Indestructible Wall" or "Unmoveable Wall”. According to a centuries-old tradition, as long as the Mother of God is extending Her arms over Kyiv, the city will stand indestructible. Please examine all photographs carefully and do your own research if necessary. Please note that photographs are an important part of the item's description. The decorative stone and measuring meter are not for sale, and might be photographed with the item in order to provide a size reference. Please ask all questions before making a purchase. There are no guarantees with the listing because most items are original vintage or antique objects that are quite old. All items are sold "as is" with no returns because of a change of mind offered. Shipping and handling is free for the continental US. International shipping is handled by Ebay. International buyers, please ask your shipping questions, if any, prior to buying. Please note that customs regulations differ from country to country, and it is a buyer's responsibility to ensure that any customs fees or other duties collected by the buyer's country are paid and satisfied in full.

Price: 45 USD

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-10-30T13:42:21.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD