How to recognize a Coptic cross

The cross used in the Coptic Orthodox Church has a distinctive, recognizable form. Knowing it helps you buy the right piece — many online listings use the word “Coptic” loosely.

The typical form

• Equal arms. Two bold bars of the same length cross at right angles in the middle.
• Three points at each end. Each arm ends in three points, which stand for the Holy Trinity — the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• Twelve points in total. Together the four ends have twelve points, which recall the twelve Apostles.
• Often a circle at the centre. Many Coptic crosses have a circle where the bars meet. It is read as a sign of God's eternal love and is often linked with Christ's halo and the Resurrection.

Within that basic form you will see many styles: trefoil (three-lobed) ends, crosses with several outlines, and interlaced, lattice-like designs, which Coptic makers often call “iota” art.

Hand crosses

Coptic priests carry a small hand cross, usually wooden or metal, and use it to bless. Many lay people also keep a hand cross to hold while they pray. Church bookstores sell them in “priest” and “bishop” sizes and smaller sizes for personal use. They are often hand-painted or engraved. You will find several makers of them in our directory.

The wrist cross

Many Copts have a small cross tattooed on the inside of the right wrist as a sign of faith. Some jewelry and gift designs copy that small, simple cross.

Coptic vs. Ethiopian crosses

The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is a sister church in the Oriental Orthodox family. Its crosses are often elaborate openwork or lattice designs, sometimes named after places such as Lalibela or Axum. Shops often call them “Coptic crosses”. They are beautiful and authentic within their own tradition, but they are not the typical Coptic form. Our directory marks these listings as Ethiopian-tradition so you know what to expect.

Coptic cross vs. the ankh

Early Egyptian Christians sometimes used a looped cross (crux ansata) that looks like the ancient Egyptian ankh. Today, though, Coptic Orthodox churches use the equal-armed cross described above. A product titled “Ankh Coptic cross” is usually an ankh design. If you want a church-style Coptic cross, look for the equal arms and the three-pointed ends.

Before you buy: a short checklist

1. Look at the ends. Do the arms end in three points or trefoils, and are the arms equal?
2. Read the material line carefully. “Solid 18k” is very different from “gold-plated” or “vermeil”. See Gold vs. silver.
3. Check the size in millimetres. Photos can be misleading. A cross of 13–20 mm suits a child or someone who wants something subtle. 25 mm and up is a statement piece.
4. Is it one-sided or double-sided? Some makers engrave both sides.
5. Ask for the hallmark (for example 750 or 925) on precious-metal pieces.
6. Blessing. Many families ask their priest to pray over a new cross before it is worn.

Sources: Wikipedia: Coptic cross; product notes from Orthodox Bookstore (St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Washington DC); Monastery of St. Anthony workshop.