Orthodox Crosses

Orthodox Crosses from the Holy Land

The Orthodox cross tradition spans two thousand years of Eastern Christianity — from the ancient churches of Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria through the Byzantine Empire to the communities of Greece, Russia, and Eastern Europe. Each cross in this collection is carved from olive wood in Bethlehem by Christian artisans who have practiced this craft for generations.

The Symbolism of the Orthodox Cross

The Orthodox cross tradition encompasses many forms — some with the distinctive three-bar design carrying the inscription bar, the crossbeam, and the slanted footrest, others with the rounded trefoil ends of the budded cross that appears across both Eastern and Western Christianity. What unites them is their rootedness in the ancient tradition of Christian sacred art.

A Cross Rooted in Eastern Christian Tradition

Widely used across Eastern Orthodox Christianity, particularly in regions such as Russia, Greece, and Eastern Europe, the wooden Orthodox cross reflects a long-standing spiritual and liturgical tradition.

Today, it remains a powerful symbol of devotion, identity, and faith, often chosen by those drawn to Eastern Christian heritage or seeking a cross with deeper symbolic meaning.

Our olive wood Orthodox wall crosses bring this tradition into the Christian home — displayed in a prayer corner or iconostasis space. Orthodox baptismal crosses and blessing crosses from the Holy Land carry particular significance for Eastern Christians marking the sacraments of faith. Each wooden Orthodox cross ships with a Certificate of  Authenticity confirming its Bethlehem origin.

Also in Our Cross Collections

Compare similar forms like Budded Crosses, explore natural Olive Wood Crosses, or complement your devotion with Blessed Holy Water from the Jordan River or the Mary's Well in Nazareth.