The pectoral cross for an Orthodox person is a great shrine, which must be treated with appropriate reverence. However, in life it happens that a person for various reasons loses his body crucifix. In this regard, questions may arise how to be in such a situation.
Every Orthodox person should wear under his clothes the symbol of the salvation accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ for every person. This symbol is the pectoral cross. In the Orthodox tradition, crucifixion is not understood exclusively as an instrument of execution, as various representatives of sextant movements believe, it is, first of all, an altar on which Christ performed the work of redemption of man.
Wearing a pectoral cross under his clothes, the Orthodox believer tries not to forget about Christ's feat of the cross. Therefore, many people try not to remove the crucifix from themselves throughout their lives from the moment they receive the sacrament of holy baptism. However, sometimes a situation may arise when the gaitan or the chain on which the cross is held breaks. At the same time, a person, without feeling it, loses his pectoral cross.
For a believer, the loss of the cross is an unpleasant event. Therefore, immediately after the discovery of the loss, it is worth putting on a new pectoral cross as soon as possible. It can be purchased in the temple (in this case, the crucifix will be consecrated) or in the store (then it is necessary to consecrate the crucifix). Some Orthodox people may have crosses at home, for example, in icons. There is nothing wrong with putting on such a crucifix, because it is better to be with the cross rather than without it. In any case, there is only one answer to the question of what to do when the cross is lost - you need to use another crucifix for yourself as soon as possible.
Some people associate some mystical superstitions with the loss of the cross. Others, after the loss, are afraid to put on any other cross (especially if someone wore it). Therefore, they can remain without a cross for a long time. This approach is unacceptable for an Orthodox person. The main thing is to put on the cross as soon as possible after the loss. Then, if there is such a desire, you can change the cross for another, bought, for example, in a store or church.
It happens that a person loses crosses repeatedly in his life. Most often this happens out of neglect for the shrine. The crosses are removed in front of the shower or bath, swimming pool, then forgetting about them. Leave in other places. In this case, after the loss of the crosses due to their negligence, it is necessary to confess their disbelief in the wearing of the cross. However, any Orthodox person who realizes his guilt in the loss of the cross for whatever reason may well begin the sacrament of repentance.
If the pectoral cross is lost due to a broken chain or a faulty fastener, it is worth buying a new chain or rope (gaitan) to avoid losing it again. And the main thing is to continue to try not to lose your body crucifix, remembering that the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross was accomplished for the salvation of every person.
