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Chi Roh: Summary And Symbols

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Chi Roh In the early years of Christianity Christians were met with many difficulties and persecution. Christians wished to express the faith in any way they could, but since many Christians feared for their lives they started expressing their faith with symbolism. Many symbols are still around today, the ichthys which means fish and creates an acronym for Jesus is seen on many cars today. However, one symbol that has shown significant interest throughout the years is the symbol of Chi Roh. Over the years, Christians developed their own type of art called iconography. “Iconography is the subject matter of a work, both literal (factual) and figurative (symbolic).” (Sayre 122) Icons were used for many things to signify or identify Christianity. For example, some of the apostles, Jesus' followers, have symbols for them. There was an ox for Luke, an eagle for John, and a lion for Mark. Chi Rho is also a …show more content…

Constantine called on him with earnest prayer to reveal to him who he was, and stretch forth his right hand to help him in his present difficulties. And while he was thus praying with fervent entreaty, a most extraordinary sign appeared to him from heaven. He said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to decline, he saw with his own eyes the sign of a cross of light in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription, “By this symbol you will conquer.” He was struck with amazement by the sight, and his whole army witnessed the miracle. He said that he was unsure what this apparition could mean, but that while he continued to ponder, night suddenly came on. In his sleep, the Christ of God appeared to him with the same sign which he had seen in the heavens, and commanded him to make a likeness of that sign which he had seen in the heavens, and to use it as a safeguard in all engagements with his enemies.

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