a series by Dick Ficter, parishioner
with Rev. Dina
January 24, 2024
| On the wall in our entrance hallway at home, there is an array of several small wooden crosses having different configurations which I passed by every day for years without a second look or thought. In addition, as an original member of Epiphany, Epiphany developed a special cross and presently uses it, at times. It is a stylized cross on Epiphany literature and other media. I considered this special cross to be the Epiphany cross. I thought that it would be interesting to look into the history of the Epiphany cross and other Christian crosses and the following is a summary of what I discovered. DID YOU KNOW? Crosses were symbols in use long before Christianity adopted them for its use. I was surprised at the number of crosses there are, and the various interpretations and meanings given to a particular cross and its components. However, I could not find a cross designated as an Epiphany cross. Each cross I found had a specific history and meaning associated with it according to its specific faith. In this series we will first discuss the Epiphany crosses and then the Anglican/Episcopal crosses followed by some well know Christian crosses. AN EPIPHANY CROSS? I was told we had what I considered the original Epiphany cross but I could not find one except as shown in the following picture of the original configuration of the Epiphany cross on the Boy Scout trailer which may be seen in Epiphany’s parking lot as shown in the following picture:  There must be other pictures of the Epiphany cross but when I Google Epiphany cross, I only get the Tarpon Springs, Florida event of throwing a cross (Latin) on the water which is described as follows: The throwing of the cross symbolizes the casting of the bread of truth upon the troubled world. The plunging of the young boys into the waters signifies the immersion into the river Jordan of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was not what I was looking for. THE SEARCH CONTINUED Then I tried searching for Christian crosses to find an Epiphany cross but again found none so named. Instead, I found many others and the best known to me is the traditional Latin cross which we have hanging over the altar at Epiphany and on the side of our building and which we are all familiar with. The arms and the portion above the intersection are all of equal length. As noted by the United States Park service, at a Black cemetery site, this cross is “Otherwise known as a crucifix, the Latin cross is said to represent Christ’s crucifixion. Typographically, the Latin cross is a derivative of the dagger, or obelisk, used to indicate death. The cross originated as a pagan symbol in Asian and African countries.” This cross symbolizes Jesus’ sacrifice for us. It was not long before I came across the Celtic cross which more closely resembled what I knew as the Epiphany cross. The presently used Epiphany media cross is a unique stylized Celtic cross used in rebranding Epiphany after the Episcopal remnant returned to the building (see the summer HDM series about the Epiphany history). EPIPHANY CROSS INFLUENCES The Celtic cross has a circular ring that covers the intersection of the arms of the Latin cross with its vertical base. The center of the circle is at this intersection. The Celtic cross is particularly associated with Ireland and the surrounding Celtic countries. It is said to have many different meanings and its history is not known with certainty. To me, the Celtic cross, as does our original Epiphany cross, serves as the perfect merger of the sacrifice represented by the Latin cross with endless love as symbolized by a completed circle. But why was the Celtic cross selected as the basis for the Epiphany cross? I have no definitive answer but maybe you can provide one. On reflection, the Celtic cross was probably selected as the basis for the Epiphany cross when I recall how proud the founding Rector of Epiphany, Rev. Bill Reardon, was of his Irish heritage! In my opinion, the Epiphany cross is a Celtic cross with the center circle modified to resemble the guiding star of the Magi and for us to follow. What is your opinion? Clearly, both crosses on the roof of the Epiphany building are Celtic crosses as seen in the following picture.  The current stylized Epiphany cross is based on a Celtic cross but with an inner fragmented spiral center with an outer fragmented circle as shown in the following.  NEXT WEEK we will discuss the Canterbury cross and other crosses used by the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal church in greater detail followed by a third message dealing with the Jerusalem cross, and Greek Orthodox cross, and other well-known crosses and their meanings to their faiths. Do you have any questions for The Camel? Submit them to You can email your questions clergy@epiphanyec.org. Your name will be kept anonymous. |
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| God Loves You. No Exceptions. Sunday 2/4: Annual Meeting after worship & Luncheon Sunday, 2/11: Scouting Sunday & Newcomer’s Gathering Tuesday, 2/13 – Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Supper, Crafts. & Bounce House Wednesday, 2/14 – Ash Wednesday |