Russian Navy Cross
Russian Navy Cross
Also known as the "Cross of Cyril and Methodius"
Near the church of St. Cyril and Methodius, stands the imposing Russian Navy Cross, also known as the Cross of Cyril and Methodius. This important structure is in a privileged location, overlooking the beach of Thessaloniki, offering an impressive image that captivates the eyes of passers-by.
The cross was donated to the city of Thessaloniki by the Russian Navy and commemorates Saints Cyril and Methodius, the Apostles who brought Christianity to the Slavs. The close relationship between Greece and Russia is based on the common Orthodox faith, which has its roots in Byzantium. This solidarity and the religious background of their relationship are confirmed by this monument.
The Russian Navy Cross has the characteristic form of a flattened cross surrounded by a circle. The sculpture is made of marble and rests on a marble base, with a simple and austere design. Despite its simplicity, the depiction of the cross departs from the traditional representations we are used to in Greek Orthodox art.
On one side of the cross, the figures of Saints Cyril and Methodius can be seen, while on the other, written in calligraphy, are their names, accompanied by an extract from the letters of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians: 'For by you the word of the Lord is preached', a phrase that highlights the importance of Thessalonica in the spread of Christianity.
