Cross of Constantine Pattern - two versions

This pattern would look nice done in felt with pearl beads sewn around the edge.

        Two patterns of the Cross of Constantine for those of you who are crafting Chrismons this Christmas.

Cut this cross of Constantine from wood or Styrafoam before decorating it with glitter.

Left, a simple Cross of Constantine. Center, A coin of Constantine (c.AD 337)
 showing a depiction of his labarum spearing a serpent. Right, modern ecclesiastical labara.

      This cross was the design which the Emperor Constantine saw gleaming in the sky on the eve preceding his great victory over Maxentius. It was surrounded by the motto, "In hoe signo vinces." After gaining the battle, the Emperor professed Christianity, and adopted this Cross as his device on banner and shield. it is also found on his coins.

      The Cross of Constantine is formed of the first two letters of the Greek word Christos or Christ--the X (Chi) and P (Rho) united. It resembles a Monogram rather than a Cross, and was much used as such by the early Christians. It is adapted to Corpus Christi, and Ascension Day.

Scripture References for The Cross of Constantine Chrismon:

• "Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!" Luke 24:31 (NLT)
  
• "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11 (NIV)
• "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." Mark 16:19 (BSB)

More About The "X":

• Why the "X" Doesn't Take Jesus Out of Christmas!