Symbols

Constantine’s Cross, also known as The Chi Rho Cross, consists of Greek letters Chi (X) and Rho (P), two letters indicating the name of Christ.

According to a legend, this sign appeared to the Roman Emperor Constantine on his way to Rome to his co-ruler and enemy Maxentius. At the same time, he saw the words In Hoc Signo Vinces (In this sign you shall conquer).

According to another legend, he saw the emblem in a dream before a battle, and at the same time, he heard the words In Hoc Signo Vinces (In this sign you shall conquer).

Both legends claim that Constantine’s vision prior to the battle has inspired his ultimate conversion to Christianity. Constantine made this symbol his monogram having placed it on his labarum — emperor standart — instead of an eagle. The posterior Battle of Milvian Bridge near Rome on October 27, 312 made Constantine the single emperor. After the battle, an edict that ceased persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire was issued. Thenceforth the monogram that Christians previously used secretly became the first generally accepted Christian symbol and became known as a symbol of Victory and Salvation.

The meaning of the second — runic — RO logo. The rune of Victory (the upper part of the cross. «the arrow»). In Slavonic tradition, the rune is one of the symbols of the god Perun (known as well as «Perun’s Spear», in German and Scandinavian culture — Thur rune). The rune of Victory symbolizes an active defense that is an attack. It is a rune of action, rune of will, rule of motion. Even its shape underlines its rush straight towards. Gebo rune is a sign of balance and harmony.

Together they form a six-ray cross, in Slavonic tradition — Perun’s Shield protecting from visible and invisible enemies. Perun’s Spear and Perun’s Shield together are harmonic combination of defense and attack.