The History of Finding the True Cross of Christ
The search for the true cross of Christ has a long and
complex history that spans centuries and involves numerous accounts and
legends. According to Christian tradition, the cross on which Jesus was
crucified is one of the most sacred relics in Christianity, and its discovery
has been the subject of much fascination and intrigue throughout history.
One of the earliest accounts of the true cross can be found
in the Bible. The New Testament recounts the story of Jesus' crucifixion and
burial, but it does not provide details about what happened to the cross after
his death. However, some scholars believe that the cross was likely destroyed
or lost after the crucifixion and that the idea of preserving it as a relic
only emerged in the early Christian church.
The first recorded account of the discovery of the true
cross comes from the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus, which was written in the
4th century. According to this text, the cross was discovered by Helena, the
mother of Emperor Constantine, who traveled to Jerusalem in search of the cross
in the early 4th century. She is said to have located the cross with the help
of a local bishop and to have verified its authenticity through a miracle in
which a dead man was resurrected.
Another account of the discovery of the true cross comes
from the 5th-century historian Socrates Scholasticus. According to Socrates, Empress Helena ordered the excavation of the site of the crucifixion, which
was believed to be under a temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Venus. Three
crosses were found, along with the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of
the Jews" in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. To determine which cross was the
true cross, a sick woman was brought to the site, and when she touched the
third cross, she was healed, confirming that it was the true cross.
According to tradition, after Helena found the true cross in
the 4th century, she took it back with her to Rome, where it became an
important religious relic. The cross was believed to have been divided into
fragments, which were distributed to various churches and holy sites throughout
the world. This practice of distributing relics was common in medieval
Christianity, and it allowed pilgrims to visit and venerate the remains of
saints and holy objects.
The most famous fragment of the true cross is believed to be
housed in the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, which was built by
Helena to house the cross and other relics associated with Jesus. The basilica
was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and its relics were
lost and rediscovered many times. Today, the basilica is a popular destination
for pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, and it contains a small fragment of the true
cross that is venerated by Christians from all over the world.
Other fragments of the true cross are believed to be held in
various churches and cathedrals throughout Europe and the Middle East. Some of
these fragments have been authenticated through scientific testing, while
others remain shrouded in mystery and legend. These fragments have been
analyzed using a range of scientific techniques, including radiocarbon dating,
microscopic analysis, and chemical analysis.
One example is a small piece of wood that was discovered in
the 19th century in the Church of Santa Croce in Rome. This fragment was
subjected to scientific testing in the 1970s, which confirmed that it was
indeed a piece of wood from a cross. The wood was found to be of Middle Eastern
origin, and it was dated to the 1st century, which is consistent with the time
period of Jesus' crucifixion.
Another example is a fragment of the true cross that is kept
in the Church of Santo Stefano in Bologna, Italy. This fragment was analyzed
using microscopic and chemical techniques, which confirmed that it is made of
cedar wood and dates back to the 1st century.
While these scientific tests provide some evidence for the
authenticity of these fragments, they do not necessarily prove that they are
part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Many other pieces of wood were
likely used for crucifixions during that time period, and it is impossible to
definitively identify any particular fragment as the true cross. Nevertheless,
these authenticated fragments continue to be venerated by believers and
non-believers alike as tangible links to the historical figure of Jesus and his
crucifixion.
Authors Who Wrote About the Cross
There are several authors who have written about the search
for the cross of Christ and its historical significance. Here are some of the
most notable authors and their contributions to this topic:
1.
Eusebius of Caesarea: Eusebius was a
fourth-century bishop and historian who wrote extensively about early
Christianity. He is known for his work "Ecclesiastical History,"
which includes an account of the discovery of the true cross by Emperor
Constantine's mother, Helena.
2.
Socrates Scholasticus: Socrates was a
fifth-century Christian historian who wrote about the events leading up to the
Council of Nicaea in 325. In his work "Ecclesiastical History,"
Socrates includes a detailed account of the discovery of the true cross and the
miracles that were said to have occurred as a result.
3.
Sozomen: Sozomen was a fifth-century Christian
historian who also wrote about the events leading up to the Council of Nicaea.
In his work "Ecclesiastical History," Sozomen provides a different
account of the discovery of the true cross, which he attributes to Empress
Helena rather than Constantine.
4.
Theodoret of Cyrus: Theodoret was a
fifth-century bishop and historian who wrote extensively about the history of
the church. In his work "Ecclesiastical History," Theodoret includes
an account of the discovery of the true cross and the miracles that were said
to have occurred as a result.
5.
Cyril of Jerusalem: Cyril was a fourth-century
bishop and theologian who wrote extensively about the early church. In his work
"Catechetical Lectures," Cyril includes a detailed account of the
discovery of the true cross and its significance to Christians.
Apocryphal Writings About the Cross
There are several apocryphal writings about the cross of
Christ, which are not included in the canon of the Bible but are considered by
some to be important works of Christian literature. Here are a few examples:
1.
The Acts of Pilate: This apocryphal work, also
known as the Gospel of Nicodemus, is a collection of stories and traditions
about the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. It includes an account
of the discovery of the true cross by the Empress Helena and the miraculous
healings that were said to have occurred as a result.
2.
The Gospel of Peter: This apocryphal gospel
includes an account of the crucifixion of Jesus and the events that followed.
It describes the moment when the cross is lifted up and speaks, declaring
itself to be the "Lord's portion" and the "tree of life."
3.
The Infancy Gospel of Thomas: This apocryphal
work includes stories about the childhood of Jesus, including one in which he
forms a cross out of clay and breathes life into it, causing it to move and
speak.
4.
The Acts of John: This apocryphal work includes
a story about the cross of Christ that is different from the traditional
account. According to this version, Jesus did not actually die on the cross but was taken down and resurrected before being taken to heaven. The cross then
becomes a symbol of Jesus' teachings and is venerated by his followers.
It's important to note that these apocryphal writings are not considered to be authoritative by most Christian denominations, and their historical accuracy is often debated. Nevertheless, they provide valuable insights into the ways in which the cross of Christ has been understood and interpreted by different communities of believers throughout history.
Legend of the Dignum Crucis
"Dignum Crucis" is a term used in Christian
theology to refer to the wood of the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.
The term literally means "worthy of the cross" or "worthy of
being the cross".
In Christian theology, the cross is seen as the instrument
of salvation and the ultimate symbol of Christ's sacrificial love for humanity.
The wood of the cross is therefore considered to be a sacred relic, and it has
been venerated by Christians since the early days of the Church.
The legend of the Dignum Crucis and its relation to Adam is
based on apocryphal writings and is not part of the biblical narrative.
According to this legend, after Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of
Eden, they carried with them a branch or a seed from the Tree of Life. They
carried this precious tree with them as they wandered in the wilderness, hoping
to find a way back to paradise.
Eventually, they settled in the land of Nod, where they
planted the seed or the branch of the Tree of Life. Over time, the tree grew
and became a symbol of their hope and longing for paradise. This tree came to
be known as the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and it is said that
Cain killed Abel near this tree.
There is a legend in the Christian tradition that relates the
story of the wood of the cross, known as Dignum Crucis, to King Solomon.
According to the legend, when King Solomon was building the Temple of Jerusalem,
he knew that he needed a special piece of wood to complete the project. This
wood was said to come from a tree that grew on the site of the Garden of Eden
and was the same kind of tree as the Tree of Life.
King Solomon dispatched a group of his men to search for the
tree, and they eventually found it growing in the land of Nod, where Adam and
Eve had planted it after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The men cut
down the tree and brought it back to Jerusalem, where it was used to complete
the construction of the Temple.
According to legend, the staff of Moses was made from the
same type of wood as the cross on which Jesus was crucified. The staff of Moses
was a powerful symbol of God's presence and was used to part the Red Sea and
perform other miracles. It was said to have been passed down through the
generations and was eventually stored in the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred
vessel that contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments and other holy relics.
The Ark of the Covenant was eventually lost to history, but
the wood of the cross was believed to be a continuation of the power and
significance of the staff of Moses and the Ark. In Christian tradition, the
wood of the cross was considered to be among the holiest of relics, and was
believed to have the power to heal, protect, and bring salvation to believers.
There is a legend in the Christian tradition that the table used
for the Last Supper was made from the same wood as the cross of Jesus, which is
known as Dignum Crucis. In the legend, the carpenter Joseph, who was the
earthly father of Jesus, obtained a piece of this wood and used it to make the
table for the Last Supper. The table was then used by Jesus and his disciples
to celebrate the Passover meal, which became known as the Last Supper.
The legend is not considered to be historically accurate,
but rather a product of Christian mythology and folklore. Nonetheless, it has
been an important part of Christian tradition and serves as a symbol of the
connection between the crucifixion of Jesus and the Last Supper.
It is worth noting that there are multiple versions of the
legend, and different sources attribute the making of the table to different
figures. Some versions suggest that it was made by St. James the Apostle, while
others attribute it to other biblical figures or saints. However, the central
theme of the legend is the same: the table used for the Last Supper was
made from the same wood as the cross of Jesus.
After the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea
collected the blood of Jesus in a cup called the Holy Grail and used it to
water a dead tree, which then miraculously sprouted and grew into a new tree.
This tree was believed to be made of the same wood as the cross on which Jesus
was crucified.
There are no surviving modern stories or accounts about
Dignum Crucis and its whereabouts after the crucifixion of Jesus. According to
Christian tradition, the cross was eventually taken to Rome by Emperor Constantine's
mother, Saint Helena, who discovered it in Jerusalem in the 4th century. The
cross was then reportedly divided into pieces and distributed to various
churches and holy sites throughout the Christian world.
Over the centuries, many fragments of wood have been claimed
to be pieces of the True Cross, and some of these have been subjected to
scientific analysis to determine their authenticity. However, there is no
conclusive evidence that any of these fragments are in fact from the cross on
which Jesus was crucified.
It is worth noting that the story of Dignum Crucis is
primarily a matter of Christian tradition and belief, rather than historical
fact. While there are some historical sources that mention the discovery of the
True Cross by Saint Helena, the details of the story have been embellished and
elaborated over time through legend and folklore. Nonetheless, the idea of the
cross as a powerful symbol of faith and redemption continues to hold a central
place in Christian theology and worship.
The Wood of the Cross
The Bible does not provide a clear answer about what kind of
wood the cross of Christ was made from. However, there are various legends and
traditions that suggest different types of wood.
One of the most popular legends is that the cross was made
from the wood of the dogwood tree. According to the legend, the dogwood tree
was once a large and sturdy tree that was used to make the cross of Jesus
Christ. As a result of this, God caused the dogwood tree to become smaller and
twisted so that it could no longer be used for such a purpose again. The legend
also claims that the petals of the dogwood flower represent the cross and the
four nails that were used to crucify Jesus.
Another legend suggests that the cross was made from cedar
wood. This legend is based on the fact that cedar wood was a common building
material in the Middle East during the time of Jesus. Cedar wood was known for
its strength and durability, which would have been important qualities for a
cross.
There are other traditions that propose different types of
wood for the cross of Christ, although they are not as widely accepted as the
traditional belief that it was made of dogwood or cypress.
Some Eastern Orthodox traditions believe that the cross was
made from cedar wood, which is a symbol of strength and endurance. According to
this tradition, the cedar tree was used because it is a tall and sturdy tree
that can withstand harsh conditions, just like the faith of Christ's followers.
In some Ethiopian Orthodox traditions, the cross is believed
to have been made from the wood of the tamarisk tree, which is native to the
region. The tamarisk is a small tree with thorny branches, which could
represent the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus' head during the
crucifixion.
Another tradition suggests that the cross was made from a
combination of different types of wood, including pine, cypress, and cedar.
This theory is based on the belief that the cross was made from the wood of the
trees that grew in the area where Jesus was crucified, and that it was not made
from a single type of wood. This may have been inspired by Isaiah 60:13 from
the New International Version
"The glory of Lebanon
will come to you,
the juniper, the
fir and the cypress together,
to adorn my sanctuary;
and I will glorify
the place for my feet."
The story of the Tree of Life from "The Golden
Legend" by Jacobus de Vorgaine in 1275 is a medieval legend that tells the
story of how the wood of the cross of Christ was made from the same kind of
tree as the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. According to the legend,
Adam, who was old and dying, sent his son Seth to Eden to ask for the "oil
of mercy" from the guardian cherub. The cherub refused the request but
gave Seth three seeds from the Tree of Life.
After Adam's death, Seth planted the three seeds on his
father's grave, and they grew into one tree with three trunks. The tree
remained in Eden until the time of King Solomon, who used its wood to construct
the throne of the Queen of Sheba. Later, the tree was cut down and used to
build a bridge over which the Queen of Sheba crossed to visit Solomon.
Finally, the legend tells how the wood from the Tree of Life
was used to construct the cross of Christ. The tree was discovered by Helena,
the mother of Emperor Constantine, who traveled to Jerusalem in the fourth
century to find the cross. After excavating the site where Jesus was said to
have been buried, Helena discovered three crosses. She was able to identify the
cross of Christ by having a sick woman touch each of the crosses. The woman was
healed when she touched the third cross, confirming that it was the true cross
of Christ.
Dignum Crucis: Philippine Grimoire
The Dignum Crucis is a rare wood to behold, which is why
only a few have seen it here in the Philippines. However, there is a saying
that whoever holds and possesses this wood will be lucky not only on earth but
also in heaven.
The color of the Dignum Crucis is black with a hint of red,
but it is easily recognizable because if you break it, the center turns to gold
in the form of a cross. If you possess it, you need to take care of it, as it
may make you one of the lucky and fortunate people not only in this world but
also in the kingdom where Christ resides.
Ø
VIRTUD
Ø
NAMES OF THE SEVEN NAILS
Ø
FOUR NAMES OF THE NAILS OF JESUS CHRIST
Ø
PRAYER TO THE FOUR NAILS
Ø
PRAYER TO THE GOD THE FATHER SENT TO PILATE BY
THE ANGEL
Ø
PRAYER TO THE GOD THE FATHER AFTER MAKING THE
FOUR NAILS
The letter sent by God the Father to be placed as a label on
the cross was supposed to have the two letters "INERIM", but the
letter "E-M" disappeared, leaving the letters "INRI".
According to history, those who know the meanings of the letters mentioned at
the beginning are fortunate, so they must be careful with it because it will be
their guide in the afterlife, which is why many people are searching for it.
And you should not tell anyone about it except for those who are worthy to
possess it.
INRI is an acronym that represents the Latin phrase
"Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum", which means "Jesus of Nazareth,
King of the Jews". This was the inscription placed on the cross of Jesus
Christ during his crucifixion, as described in the Bible.
In addition to its literal meaning, INRI has been
interpreted in various ways throughout history, including:
1.
Symbolizing the power and glory of Jesus as a
king and savior.
2.
Representing the fulfillment of Old Testament
prophecy regarding the coming of the Messiah.
3.
Serving as a reminder of the suffering and
sacrifice that Jesus endured on behalf of humanity.
4.
Encouraging believers to emulate the humility
and selflessness of Jesus in their own lives.
5.
Signifying the victory of Christ over sin and
death, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Overall, the letters INRI hold great significance in
Christian theology and are a potent symbol of faith, redemption, and hope.
Meaning of the missing letters E and M: there is a
significant history mentioned with these two letters, which are the name of
God's daughter. According to history, whoever knows how to mention or call this
name every day will always be safe from harm, and will never suffer in the
afterlife.
Mantra used by Jesus Christ to unshackle his fetters and to
escape unnoticed:
IGUWU OQPINCA EMAHMFAO DLEUZ MACHNINI DOMINE
The image depicts a cross adorned with sacred words. These
words represent the names of the spirits sent by God to protect His son from
the time of his birth. According to religious beliefs, those who are aware of
these names will be saved in the afterlife.
The cross is a significant symbol in Christianity,
representing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of humanity. The
addition of the sacred words on the cross adds a deeper spiritual dimension to
its meaning.
In Christian theology, the spirits mentioned are believed to
be angels, messengers of God who carry out His will. The names of these angels
are considered to be powerful and sacred, with the potential to provide
spiritual protection and guidance to those who call upon them.
The belief in the importance of these sacred names is a
cornerstone of many religious practices and traditions. By invoking these
names, individuals seek to connect with the divine and receive spiritual
blessings and protection.
The illustration of the cross with the sacred words
serves as a reminder of the power and significance of faith, and the importance
of seeking spiritual guidance and protection in one's life.
References and Resources
Books:
The Quest for the True Cross by Carsten Peter Thiede
Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln
"Ang Kahoy na Krus ni Jesu-Cristo” Anonymous
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