Processional cross

Crucession with lantern, processional cross and banners

A processional cross is a

altar crosses were processional crosses placed on a stand at the end of the procession. In large churches the "crux gemmata", or richly jewelled cross in precious metal, was the preferred style. Notable early examples include the Cross of Justin II (possibly a hanging votive cross originally), Cross of Lothair, and Cross of Cong.^[2]

Eastern Orthodoxy

In the

Great Entrances at the Divine Liturgy, regardless of whether the celebrant

is a primate.

In all traditions, the cross is carried in outdoor processions, known as

moleben (intercessory prayer service) during which a cross-procession will take place around the outside of the church. The processional cross is also used at funerals

.

During an outdoor procession, the cross will usually be preceded by a large processional lantern and a deacon with thurible (incense). Religious banners and icons will follow. Then the chanters and clergy, and finally the people.

When not in use, the processional cross may be placed in the sanctuary, behind the

Holy Table

(altar).

Some Orthodox processional crosses will have an icon of the Crucifixion on one side, and the Resurrection on the other. The side with the Resurrection will face forward on Sundays and during the Paschal season, the Crucifixion will face forward on other days.

Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism and Anglicanism

In the

High Church Anglicanism, also preceded by incense. The processional cross in these denominations is usually flanked or followed with candles. The cross is brought up to the altar by an altar server who has been chosen to serve as crucifer

.

Among Roman Catholics, Lutherans and

High Church Anglicans, the processional cross will usually be a crucifix. In Nonconformist Protestant

-oriented parishes, the processional cross will usually be an empty cross.

Methodism

In some

Altar cross.^[3] The acolytes that follow then bow to the cross at the Communion Table. The Cross represents the Lord's presence at the Communion Table.^[4]

Via Dolorosa

Every Friday devout pilgrims visiting Jerusalem walk along Via Dolorosa in the footsteps of Jesus. They walk behind a group leader carrying a large wooden cross and pause at each of 14 stations along the route.^[5]

Gallery

Head of the Tully Lough Cross. Irish, 8th or 9th century^[6]
cathedral
.
The Cross of Cong, the most highly decorated of the early 12th-century Irish Christian ornamented processional crosses.^[7]
Double-Sided Processional Cross. Master of Monte del Lago, late 14th century, Brooklyn Museum
Catholic Processional crucifix (modern)
Lutheran Church of Sweden processional crucifix (modern)