Even in ancient times, it was customary to fill a hill at the burial site. Christians, continuing this tradition, began to erect a monument on the grave mound. The best monument for a Christian is the cross, which is one of the shrines of Christianity. It symbolizes faith in the eternal life of the soul. The Christian's earthly life is illuminated by the cross, and after death he must remain with it. How to install it correctly?
Instructions
Step 1
Choose hardwood for the cross. It is more resistant to atmospheric precipitation, sunlight, temperature drops. Larch has the greatest resistance. Please note that the wood must be dry. Wet wood products will crack when dry. It is better to dry wood naturally, under a canopy or outdoors. Remember to treat the wood with an antiseptic to protect it from pests and fungi. Cover the cross with varnish to protect it from rain and snow. Place the base of the cross in a polyethylene or galvanized pipe for additional protection against decay. The cross on an Orthodox grave must be eight-pointed. You should not put a portrait of the deceased on the cross, this expresses disrespect for Orthodox shrines.
Step 2
Place the cross at the feet of the deceased so that the crucifix is facing his face. This is how Christian symbolism is expressed: the deceased prays while looking at the cross. Dig a hole 50 cm deep in the right place. Carefully insert the cross into it. Cover with earth, tamping tightly - the cross should not stagger and tilt. The cross planted in the ground and directed to the sky means the faith of Christians that the body of the deceased is in the earth, and the soul is in heaven, that under the cross is hidden a seed that grows for eternal life in the Kingdom of God.
Step 3
Invite an Orthodox priest to consecrate the cross. Remember to keep the cross clean and in good condition at all times. Thanks to the inscription on the cross with the name and years of life, not only relatives and friends will know who is buried here, but other people will also be able to remember this person in their prayer. If the cross has become unusable under the influence of time, then it must be replaced. But the old one should never be thrown away; it is necessary to saw it up and burn it in a church oven.
