In a world of shifting values, cross wearing stands as a steadfast declaration of faith, particularly within Orthodox Christianity. This practice, rooted in centuries of tradition, reflects an unwavering commitment to spiritual identity. Today, believers don crosses not just as adornments but as shields of resilience, a legacy preserved meticulously by the Orthodox Church. Voices on X, like @LogKa11, affirm this as they share a short clip of a cross get raised again in Kursk, Russia:

The Orthodox cross, with its intricate design, carries a history of holy defiance that refuses to fade.

Cross Wearing as Spiritual Armor

Orthodox Christianity has long upheld the cross as more than a symbol—it’s a weapon against darkness. A traditional Russian Orthodox prayer captures this vividly:

“God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from before His face. As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish; as wax melts before the fire, so let the demons perish from the presence of those who love God and who sign themselves with the sign of the Cross and say in gladness: Rejoice, most venerable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, for you drive away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Who was crucified on you, Who went down to hell and trampled on the power of the devil, and gave us you, His venerable Cross, for the driving away of every adversary. O most venerable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, help me together with our most pure Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and with all the saints, unto the ages. Amen.”

Orthodox Christian organizations trace this to early Christian roots, emphasizing its protective power.

Byzantine Cross: A Historical Bastion

The Orthodox cross, cherished in Orthodox tradition, tells a story of endurance. Historically, during the Soviet era, believers hid their crosses to survive persecution, as historian Orlando Figes documents in The Whisperers. Yet, the Orthodox Church preserved this practice, ensuring its survival through clandestine faith. Today, wearing it openly rejects that fear, honoring ancestors who clung to hope in silence. The cross’s ornate design, celebrated in Byzantine art, reflects a sacred legacy unbroken by time.

Cross Wearing Defies Secular Tides

Despite secular pushback, cross wearing remains a bold act of authenticity. Pew Research studies highlight tensions over religious expression, yet Orthodox Christians persist. The cross offends only those who reject its message, a divide that fuels its power.

Notable public government figures such as Karoline Leavitt, the 2024 White House Press Secretary, has been highlighted for proudly wearing a Catholic cross during press conferences. Her consistent display of the cross has been mentioned in various posts on X, reflecting her openness about her Christian faith.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who is serving as 2024 U.S. Attorney General, has been associated with wearing a cross necklace. While a false story circulated in 2025 claiming she confronted a judge over it, her public persona and Catholic background suggest she may wear a cross, though specific instances are less documented compared to Leavitt.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth proudly wears a large Jerusalem cross tattoo on his chest as a symbol of his Christian faith. During his Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025, he explained that the Jerusalem cross, a historic Christian emblem, reflects his religious identity, despite controversy over its perceived associations.

The cross bridges past and present, a tangible link to faith’s unyielding spirit.

Legacy of Faith on Display

Ultimately, cross wearing transcends jewelry—it’s a heartfelt testament. The Orthodox Church has safeguarded this tradition, from Byzantine emperors to modern faithful. Its weathered presence around necks today mirrors prayers whispered in secret during oppression. So, the question lingers: How will you carry this legacy forward in a world that challenges faith’s visibility?

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Follow Clara Dorrian @CRiordan2024