Cross

A seven-pointed cross, made of silver- and gold-toned metal. On the arms of the cross are five gold-toned appliqués depicting the Evangelists and their symbols: Mark with a lion, Luke with a calf, Matthew with an angel, John with an eagle, and a floral composition. On the front is inscribed an image of the "Crucifixion." Around Christ's head is a cruciform halo, flanked by the letters "IS" and "KHS" ("Jesus Christ"). Above, on the straight crossbar, are the letters "INRI" ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews"). On the left arm is a half-length image of the Mother of God, her hands folded in a gesture of prayer. She wears a tunic and maphorion, with a round halo around her head. On the right arm is a half-length image of John the Baptist, dressed in a chiton, with a round halo around his head. Beneath the cross is a depiction of the Head of Adam. On the reverse is inscribed the scene of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, with a fish swimming in its waters. The Savior's arms are crossed and folded on his chest; around his head is a cruciform halo and the letters "IS" and "KHS" ("Jesus Christ"). Above is a depiction of the Holy Spirit as a dove, descending upon Christ with three rays. On the left arm is a half-length image of John the Baptist, blessing with his right hand and holding a cross in his left, with a round halo around his head. On the right arm is a half-length image of an angel with wings and a round halo. At the bottom of the cross is a gold-toned appliqué in the form of a floral composition. Around its contour, the cross is wrapped in wire.

The cross belonged to the pre-war (pre-1941) part of the collection of the H. S. Skovoroda Historical Museum. It was evacuated in 1941 and returned to Kharkiv in November 1944.