Baptismal cross worn over your clothes?

[Mariya116]

Why do I see so many non-Russian Orthodox Christians wear their cross over their clothes? Isn't it supposed to go under your clothes directly on your skin? Or they don't wear any at all.

 

[ProScribe]

I don't think there are any specific "etiquette" rules except the no piercings or tattoos.

 

[Nephi]

I don't think there are any specific "etiquette" rules except the no piercings or tattoos.

The OP is referring to one's baptismal cross, the cross an Orthodox wears that was blessed with the baptismal water from that individual's baptism.

Why do I see so many non-Russian Orthodox Christians wear their cross over their clothes? Isn't it supposed to go under your clothes directly on your skin? Or they don't wear any at all.

I didn't know there was a proper way to wear them.

This is relevant, and may answer your question:
Saint Spyridon Orthodox Church

 

[Mariya116]

I don't think there are any specific "etiquette" rules except the no piercings or tattoos.

Wow, I didn't know. Because in the Russian Church the rule is very specific that the baptismal cross goes under your clothes. Some people wear the cross on such short chains that you can see it anyway, but it's still on your skin. That's why you can always tell an Orthodox Christian by the chain on their neck, but you don't see what's on it because it's tucked into the clothes - it's a baptismal cross. Like on this picture, this incarcerated lady is wearing a cross but you can see it because of the style of her robe. Also, I think in penitentiaries the crosses are supposed to be visible.

 

[Mariya116]

The OP is referring to one's baptismal cross, the cross an Orthodox wears that was blessed with the baptismal water from that individual's baptism.



I didn't know there was a proper way to wear them.

This is relevant, and may answer your question:
Saint Spyridon Orthodox Church

Okay, thanks for the link. It looks like in the Greek Church either way is acceptable.

 

[InnerPhyre]

I wear mine under my clothes. No one ever told me to wear it this way. I just do because it is comforting to me to be able to feel the cross next to my skin throughout the day. I think though, that wearing crosses outside ones clothes is just a common practice in the USA, so when people become Orthodox, they may sometimes just keep wearing crosses on the outside.

 

[-Kyriaki-]

I wear mine over my clothes Noone ever told me not to, and most women I know wear them as jewellery as well as keeping them on for religious reasons.

 

[Fierce Badger]

I wear mine under my clothes at work for practicality and over my clothes off work.

 

[Protoevangel]

I typically wear mine under my clothes. Sometimes, if I am somewhere where I may be despised for wearing the cross, or at least somewhere I think it may be useful, but not prideful, I may put it over my shirt... If you see my profile pic, I was waiting in line to see a secular band in concert then. The lead singer of the headlining band likes to talk about how he has been hated by Christians since he was a child. I met him after the concert, shook his hand, gave him a hug, and assured him that just because I was a Christian, I did not hate him. I'm sure it didn't change the stories he tells on stage, but that's why and when I will pull my cross out.

 

[gzt]

Always under.

 

[inconsequential]

On the extremely rare occasions I wear it, it goes under.

 

[Mary of Bethany]

I don't have a baptismal cross. I wasn't given one when I was Chrismated.

Mary

 

[ArmyMatt]

I wear it under, but I know some folks who wear it over. I am pro choice on the matter

 

[katherine2001]

I don't wear a cross because I must have a 24 carat gold one, as I am allergic to other metals and will break out badly. The problem is, I can't afford one--therefore, I don't wear one.

 

[-Kyriaki-]

Katherine - what about a wooden one? I know a jeweller who likes to have a break from precious metals so he wears a wooden one from Jerusalem instead. There are some lovely ones that monasteries sell.

ETA: for a chain, you could wear it on a cotton braided cord, or a leather one?

 

[Mariya116]

Katherine - what about a wooden one? I know a jeweller who likes to have a break from precious metals so he wears a wooden one from Jerusalem instead. There are some lovely ones that monasteries sell.

They are pretty indeed! I love wood jewelry.

Many Russians replace their metal baptismal cross with a wood one when go to a sauna (where metals tend to overheat).

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

I know the Mormons like to wear those secret garbs underneath their clothes!

 

[Nephi]

I know the Mormons like to wear those secret garbs underneath their clothes!

Thank God I didn't stay LDS long enough for that.

 

[gurneyhalleck1]

The other day I saw your screen name and thought, "Nephi? Mormon? uh,....nah...." LOL

I guess it could be worse. You could be called "Lamanite1"

Thank God I didn't stay LDS long enough for that.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I don't wear a cross because I must have a 24 carat gold one, as I am allergic to other metals and will break out badly. The problem is, I can't afford one--therefore, I don't wear one.

what about one carved from a stone or something?