Similar to the familiar Latin cross, the Patriarchal cross possesses a smaller crossbar placed above the main one, so that both crossbars are near the top.
Sometimes the patriarchal cross has a short, slanted crosspiece near its foot. This slanted, lower crosspiece often appears in Byzantine Greek and Eastern European iconography, as well as Eastern Orthodox churches.
The symbol, often referred to as the patriarchal cross, appeared in the Byzantine Empire in large numbers in the 9th century.
The top beam represents the plaque bearing the inscription "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The bottom beam may represent a balance of justice.
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