Stavrophore

JOHN A. MCGUCKIN

Greek term signifying “cross-bearer.” Its most frequent use is in reference to Orthodox monastics. In the entrance into monastic life there are several degrees. The first level, that of the Novice, can be left freely. The novice will wear the black cassock (anterion, raso) and headgear (skouphos) of the monk, but is not as yet tonsured and takes no vows. After tonsuring the novice is formally given the black habit (raso) consisting of the inner cassock with leather belt, the outer clerical robe with wide sleeves, and hat with black veil. He is now known as a Rassophore. If the monk perseveres and reaches a degree of maturity and asceticism deemed appropriate by his higumen (abbot) he may be initiated into a higher degree ofmonastic life known as the Little Schema. At this time the monastic makes formal vows of stability, poverty, chastity, and obedience, and may receive the more ample form of the outer cassock, along with the monastic mantle, and especially a symbolic garment known as the paramandyas. This is a square of black cloth worn on the back, embroidered in red with the instruments of the Passion, and connected by ties to a wooden cross worn over the heart. It symbolizes how the monk must bear the “yoke” of Christ. It is the act of putting on this cross which entitles the monk to be known as Stavrophore or Cross-bearer. The last and highest degree of monastic life is the Great Schema. The term Stavrophore can also refer to a priest who is awarded the right to wear a cross as a sign of special honor. In Russian tradition all priests wear the silver cross. A gold cross can be awarded as an honor. The gift of the “jeweled cross” is a significant award of honor to a priest from a bishop. In the non-Russian traditions, only those priests wear the cross who have received it as a special honor from the bishop or patriarch (equivalent to the jeweled cross). In the Greek custom their rank is designated as Oikonomos, in other churches they are known as Stavrophore.