Orthodox Cross with Stars Symbol - Meaning and Significance #1192801 (License: Personal Use)

This black-and-white line drawing depicts the Russian Orthodox cross (three-bar cross) with four eight-pointed stars positioned at cardinal points-top, bottom, left, and right-and a smaller star near the lower right arm. The stars signify the Star of Bethlehem, the Four Evangelists, or the divine light of Christ, while the three-bar cross represents the inscription “INRI,” the footrest, and the slanted bar denoting the thief’s repentance.

Used on religious websites, educational pages about Christian iconography, church publications, or digital resources explaining Orthodox symbolism; matches user intent to learn about liturgical symbols, theological meaning, or for use in worship materials.