{"product_id":"olive-wood-three-bar-orthodox-cross-necklace","title":"Olive Wood Three-Bar Orthodox Cross Necklace from Bethlehem","description":"\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted in Bethlehem from natural olive wood, this \u003cstrong\u003eThree-Bar Orthodox Cross necklace\u003c\/strong\u003e features one of the most distinctive cross forms associated with Eastern Christianity. The pendant combines an ornate budded outer shape with an engraved \u003cstrong\u003ethree-bar Orthodox cross\u003c\/strong\u003e, including the characteristic slanted lower footrest, together with the traditional \u003cstrong\u003eIC XC\u003c\/strong\u003e inscription.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pendant measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e1.6 × 1.0 in (4 × 2.5 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e and comes on a \u003cstrong\u003e13.8 in (35 cm) black rope cord\u003c\/strong\u003e. Lightweight and compact, it is designed for everyday devotional wear, prayer, church, pilgrimage, and meaningful Christian gifting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #9a7530;\"\u003eThe Three-Bar Orthodox Cross\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the centre of the pendant is the distinctive \u003cstrong\u003ethree-bar Orthodox cross\u003c\/strong\u003e. It consists of a short upper bar, the main horizontal crossbar, and a lower \u003cstrong\u003eslanted footrest\u003c\/strong\u003e. This form is especially associated with \u003cstrong\u003eRussian and other Slavic Orthodox traditions\u003c\/strong\u003e, although related forms are also found more broadly within Eastern Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe slanted lower bar is traditionally interpreted as the footrest beneath Christ's feet. Its angled position has also been given symbolic interpretations within Orthodox tradition, adding another layer of meaning to the cross beyond its distinctive visual form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #9a7530;\"\u003eIC XC \u0026amp; Eastern Christian Symbolism\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe letters \u003cstrong\u003eIC XC\u003c\/strong\u003e appear on either side of the cross. They form a traditional Greek abbreviation for \u003cstrong\u003eJesus Christ\u003c\/strong\u003e and are widely used throughout Orthodox and Eastern Christian iconography, including icons, crosses, liturgical objects, and devotional art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike the three-bar form itself, which is particularly associated with Russian and Slavic Orthodox tradition, the \u003cstrong\u003eIC XC Christogram\u003c\/strong\u003e belongs to the wider visual language of Eastern Christianity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #9a7530;\"\u003eBudded Cross Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe inner three-bar cross is framed by an ornate \u003cstrong\u003ebudded or trefoil-style outer cross\u003c\/strong\u003e, with rounded terminals that give the pendant a traditional and decorative appearance. The combination of these two forms makes the necklace visually distinctive while preserving its clear Orthodox identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #9a7530;\"\u003eHandcrafted from Olive Wood in Bethlehem\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach pendant is handcrafted from \u003cstrong\u003enatural olive wood in Bethlehem\u003c\/strong\u003e, continuing a longstanding tradition of Christian woodcraft in the Holy Land. Bethlehem artisans have produced olive wood crosses, crucifixes, rosaries, icons, and pilgrimage keepsakes for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe natural grain of olive wood varies from piece to piece, so each necklace has its own individual colour, markings, and wood pattern. These variations are characteristic of the material and make every pendant slightly different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #9a7530;\"\u003eFor Orthodox Prayer, Pilgrimage \u0026amp; Everyday Wear\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eolive wood Three-Bar Orthodox Cross necklace\u003c\/strong\u003e is particularly meaningful for those connected to Russian, Slavic, and wider Eastern Orthodox Christian traditions. Its compact size makes it suitable for regular wear during prayer, church services, travel, pilgrimage, or everyday life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt can also be given as a meaningful \u003cstrong\u003eOrthodox Christian gift from Bethlehem\u003c\/strong\u003e for Baptism, a name day, Pascha, Christmas, birthdays, pilgrimage remembrance, or as a personal expression of faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"color: #9a7530;\"\u003eSize \u0026amp; Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePendant size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.6 × 1.0 in (4 × 2.5 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRope necklace length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 13.8 in (35 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural olive wood\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Budded outer cross with three-bar Orthodox cross and IC XC inscription\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bethlehem, Holy Land\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4 style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003eCare Instructions\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the olive wood pendant dry and avoid prolonged contact with water, perfume, lotions, or household chemicals. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth when needed. Natural variations in grain and colour are characteristic of olive wood.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Piece of Holy Land","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46249624895660,"sku":null,"price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0638\/0784\/8620\/files\/olive-wood-three-bar-orthodox-cross-necklace-4.jpg?v=1789286729","url":"https:\/\/www.pieceofholyland.com\/products\/olive-wood-three-bar-orthodox-cross-necklace","provider":"Piece of Holy Land","version":"1.0","type":"link"}