The pectoral cross (in Russia it is called the “vest”) is entrusted to us in the sacrament of baptism in fulfillment of the words of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Who wants to follow me, reject yourself, and take your cross and follow me” (Mark 8, 34 ). The pectoral cross helps to endure illness and hardship, strengthens the spirit, protects from evil people and in difficult circumstances. The cross “is always for believers there is a great power that cures from all evils, especially from the evil of invisible enemies,” writes holy righteous John of Kronstadt.
During the consecration of the pectoral cross, the priest reads two special prayers in which he asks the Lord God to pour the power of Heaven into the cross and to keep this cross not only the soul, but also the body from all enemies, sorcerers, sorcerers, from all evil forces. That is why on many body crosses there is an inscription “Save and save!”.
