The Patriarchal Cross (heraldic: Patriarcale), with or without a body, is a cross (such as a Latin Cross or Budded Cross) with an additional cross-beam.
There are several explanations or theories for this additional cross-beam, which can also be found on similar crosses (such as Orthodox and Loraine crosses).
It can also be referred to as “Metropolitan Cross” (in the Greek and Eastern Orthodox Churches, the “Metropolitan” is the head of an ecclesiastical province, ranking just below the Patriarch. In the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church, the equivalent of the “Metropolitan” is an Archbishop).
One of the most popular explanations for the shape of the cross is that the upper beam, which is also found on the Russian and Eastern Orthodox cross, represents the INRI plaque on the top of crucified Jesus.
But there are also other theories for the additional beam, among them ideas that:
- The first beam can represent the death of Jesus, and the second one his resurrection.
- The beam may have symbolised the power of the Byzantine emperors (in the 9th century, this was a political symbol used by Byzantine clerks and missionaries).
With the image of the Good Shepherd in mind, this cross was adopted for use as a cross for the Patriarch and included in the heraldic arms of an Archbishop. It is also frequently used as a crozier.
Pastoureau, 13-67. Neubecker, 106-107. Murray, 296-297
Wikipedia
www.crosscrucifix.com