| Chi Rho
Of the several sacred monograms of Christ, the Chi Rho is one of the most ancient. It is generally formed of the Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P). These are the first letters of the Greek word "XPICTOC" (pronounced Christos), which means "Christ." The monogram has been styled in a variety of imaginative ways over the centuries. Other symbols are sometimes added to the monogram to call to mind a particular attribute of our Lord. |
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In one of the simplest representations, the downstroke of the "P" forms one of the arms of the "X". The cross so formed is readily apparent. |
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In this common style, the "X" is superimposed on the "P". |
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In this form, the "P" is styled to look like a shepherd's crook, a reminder that Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me — 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father." (NIV) |
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The "N" entwined in this representation stands for "Nike," the Greek word for "Conqueror." |
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This chi rho appears with the Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet.
Rev. 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. (NIV) |
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This style incorporates an anchor cross. The anchor represents the hope that we have in Christ.
Hebr. 6:17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. (NIV) |
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This unusual style makes a "P" of one of the arms of the "X," rather than vice versa. The short wavy bar is the symbol for an abbreviation. |
