| Cross
Many people ask about the elaborate cross seen on the album cover and
in the background of this page. It's called the Cross-Rho
Celtic. This compound cross of my own design combines the chi-rho
with a Celtic cross and Latin cross. Here's a look at
each element.
 The
Chi -Rho, XP, is one of the most popular Christian symbols of antiquity.
Still seen in the worship and liturgy of many Christian churches, the
CHI RHO was formed of a combination of the two Greek letters chi X and
rho P. They form a monogram for Jesus Christ's name, Christos.
The X makes the "k" sound and the P makes an "r" sound in the Greek alphabet
(Myron). It
was also inscribed on large stones all over Ireland and Scotland by Celtic
Christians.
"The
Irish Catholic priest will have no hesitation telling you that the circle
of the Celtic Cross is a symbol of eternity that emphasizes the endlessness
of God’s love as shown through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. That is
unless he says the circle is a halo. He may go on to explain that the
crucifixion is important not just as an event at a certain point in time
but, as the circle symbolizes, as the unending mystery of how through
the crucifixion and resurrection Christ continues to offer the hope of
salvation to the faithful throughout all time." (Walker)
"There
is a legend of how St. Patrick when preaching to some soon to be converted
heathens was shown a sacred standing stone that was marked with a circle
that was symbolic of the moon goddess. Patrick made the mark of a Latin
cross through the circle and blessed the stone making the first Celtic
Cross. This legend implies that the Saint was willing to make ideas and
practices that were formerly Druid into Christian ideas and practices.
This is consistent with the belief that he converted and ordained many
Druids to lives as Christian priests." (Walker)
If you would like to invite Nicholas Ward to your fellowship
please send your email here nicholasward@2cp.net
or call 352-274-8565. |