Apostle Tomb, Heritage, Persian Cross, Saint Thomas Crosses, Thomas the Apostle

Dear M.T.Antony & Admin: (RE: Crosses in the …

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Comment posted Analogical review on Saint Thomas Cross- The symbol of Nasranis-Interpretation of the Inscriptions by John Mathew.

Dear M.T.Antony & Admin: (RE: Crosses in the Syriac and Other Churches west of India)

A. http://www.christiansofiraq.com/monastery.html

Notes:
1. The equilateral cross motif is present (e.g., search on Tree of Life)
2. Cross with steps (ditto).
3. If you search on “Syrian Orthodox Church Cross” you’ll find that the structure of that cross (with two angels kneeling beside it) is similar, if not identical, to our Persian Crosses. Especially the ends of the cross, which is one of our unique features, I believe.

One question to my Syro-Malabar colleagues: that cross (2) is present in many of the Syriac/Malankara Orthodox prayer books. In fact, it appears with a frequency second only to the standard Nasrani cross. My question: do the Syro-Malabar use this motif (cross+2 angels worshipping)?

B. http://vdjorbenadze.tripod.com/Kartli/1980DjvariRaisingoftheCross.jpg
From the Georgian Orthodox Church, which, like the Church of the East, and the Church of Armenia, was subject to Antioch until it became autocephalous.
Note the interesting base, and the Cross as symbolizing Christ. And the 6th/7th century date.
(ref: http://vdjorbenadze.tripod.com/Kartli/Kartli.htm)

C. http://www.soorpkhatchchurch.org/SK%20New/Church%20History/Church_history.html
The Armenian Cross.
Note the floral base, and symmetrical arms

I think we might be able to use this info to date our Nasrani Crosses, and link it to a broader eastern tradition of symbolic crosses. I guess the Lotus might signify some Indian adaptation, though I still think the Lotus is a general Oriental motif that the Persian and Chinese also used.