Orthodox rings

The most famous Vatican Museum has a huge collection of ancient Orthodox artifacts. The first icons, censer, medallions, Christian crosses of the 3-4 century. Also collected and the very first, the most ancient rings. In those days, with the beginning of the spread of Christianity, crosses were not worn. Rings were symbols of faith.

Ancient Christians wore thin, simple, without inscriptions, iron, gold or silver rings. They had a round disc with engraved letters of XP, which means Christ. Body crosses began to wear much later. Rings wore them on the ring finger.

In the scriptures, this ornament is called a ring, from the word finger - a finger. This ring symbolized the reunion of man with God, unity with him and eternity.

The tradition of wearing rings came to Russia along with Christianity from Byzantium in the 2nd millennium after Christ. Much later, words from prayer were put on these rings and worn them not only as a symbol of faith, but also as a talisman. They were especially popular in the 19th century.

Now they are sold in church shops, in jewelry stores as jewelry or souvenirs.

There are the following types of Orthodox rings:

• Gold
• Silver
• With enamel
• Inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones
• Simple iron
• With prayers
• With the image of icons or with an ornament
• Wedding and engagement
• Men's, women's, children's

In ancient times, Christian rings served as identification marks, thanks to which people recognized their fellow believers. And much later, they began to engrave prayers on them, to endow them with the characteristics of a talisman.

Not always people get these rings with faith in the soul, many take as stylish jewelry or as a gift. Some believers are embarrassed or unwilling to openly show their faith, and try to choose jewelery on which the prayer is applied on the inside.

Even among the priests, there is no consensus on whether it is a guardian or just a ring as a symbol of faith. Most people are inclined to believe that the main task of such a ringlet is to remind man of faith, of his belonging to Christ.

However, there are many stories related to the miraculous protective properties of the consecrated jewelry. Often people notice that the ring suddenly changes color, turns black, or suddenly the metal bursts, or the jewelry is accidentally lost. Such cases are often attributed to the ministers of the church by the fact that the ring diverts trouble from its bearer by accepting it.

In order for Orthodox jewelery to be useful, to protect them from bad people and troubles, they should be worn, following certain rules. The most important moment is faith in God and a righteous life.

It is best to buy all such products in the church shop. There they are immediately sanctified by holy water and special prayers that the priest reads. Only consecrated items have security properties.

By the holy things must be treated with respect, do not scatter anywhere. Carry constantly with you. Try not to lose, as the loss of the consecrated ring can mean the loss of Divine grace.

Wear Orthodox rings should be on the thumb, index or middle fingers of the right hand. Since it is with these fingers that a person performs the sign of the cross. If a person has passed the wedding ceremony, then, together with the wedding ring, you can wear a ring with the prayer “Save and Save” on the ring finger.

In the modern world there is a huge selection of orthodox rings. Church decorations with the prayer “Save and Save” have no division into male and female. They can wear everything, regardless of gender and age, the main thing is to choose the right size. The rings with the prayer of Jesus, with the image of the icons of St. Nicholas, the Archangel Michael, the Archangel Gabriel, can be attributed to men. Ring-rings, for example, the “George the Victorious” signet looks very solid and majestic. The more female include rings with a prayer to the Virgin.

Also, women's jewelry has thinner and more refined lines, they are covered with colored enamel, decorated with floral ornaments, colored precious or semi-precious stones. Mostly on them are images of the Virgin, of sv. Matrons and other holy women.

Children's Orthodox rings do not have much differences from adults. They carry the same security mission. In their manufacture, gems and intricate patterns are almost never used.

The most common metal for the manufacture of Orthodox rings and jewelry is silver. This metal is a symbol of purity, innocence, chastity. Women are recommended to wear silver rings.

Silver metal has the property to be covered with an oxide film - to oxidize. Therefore, over time, these decorations can darken. But do not give the darkening of the metal any negative meaning. This is a natural process. The oxide film must be simply brushed off with a soft cloth with chalk or soda.

Gold in Christianity is considered a symbol of the divine glory of Christ. Rings from this metal are worn mostly by men and clergymen. Unlike silver, such jewelry does not darken.

According to Orthodox traditions, the husband symbolizes Christ, and the wife is the Church. The wedding unites a man and a wife, Christ and the Church. The symbol of this sacred union are the rings that the newlyweds exchange, giving each other vows of love and loyalty, self-sacrifice for the sake of the family.

Initially, in ancient Russia, the sacrament of the wedding preceded the betrothal. Then these ceremonies were combined into one. They were held exclusively in the church. In the modern world, this ceremony is optional.

Wedding rings are not properly perceived as jewelry. They should be simple, without unnecessary jewelry, even one diamond is overkill. The only thing that is permissible is the engraving of the words “Save and Save” the prayer on the inside. You can also beat the date of the wedding and the names of the spouses. The priest has the right to refuse to consecrate too fanciful rings.

Also, by tradition, these rings should be different. Gold for husband, silver for wife. Their spouses wear the ring fingers of their left hand. In ancient times it was believed that an artery leading to the heart passed through this finger. Thus, Orthodox rings are not jewels in a secular sense, they are important, sacred significance for Christians. Wearing them should be meaningful, respecting and observing traditions and certain rules. And then they will serve as a very strong talisman and reminder of the Christian faith.