Some people who notice cars on the road with the image of a cross enclosed in a circle are perplexed: what does it mean? Not everyone knows what this symbol carries in itself, so they begin to build their own versions, which are sometimes very far from the truth. Some even attribute this sign to Masonic or sectarian symbols. In fact, this sign is nothing but a Georgian Orthodox cross. What does it mean and why it is glued to cars, let's try to understand this article.
The main religion in Georgia
The dominant religion in Georgia is Orthodox Christianity. Moreover, she came to Georgia much earlier than the baptism of Kievan Rus. The formation of Christianity in the country underwent certain difficulties, but already in the IV century this religion took a firm stand. On the territory of Georgia there are a huge number of temples and churches that play a huge role in people's lives.
A large number of pilgrims from various countries are sent to this country to visit Christian shrines. Georgians are very reverent about their religion. However, at the same time, they are quite loyal to others. Catholics, Muslims and Jews coexist peacefully along with Christians in the country. Thus, Christian dogmas are observed in Georgia, one of which reads: "Be tolerant of each other."
Georgian cross
It has one more name - Bolnisi. This type of cross has been used in Georgia since the 5th century. The Georgian cross is isosceles, it has expanding sleeves.
This symbol is enclosed in a round frame. There is evidence that the Bolnisi cross appeared during the time of Constantine the Great. It was he who allowed in 313 the free practice of the Christian religion in Georgia.
The first time such a cross was depicted on the facade of a temple called Bolnisi Sioni. It was built at the end of the 5th century in the historical province of the country. Hence the name - Bolnisi, since the crosses of this form were used in the decoration of the temple.
From then until now, the Bolnisi cross has been used everywhere in Georgia.
Georgian cross by car. What means
If you saw a car on the road that depicts a cross enclosed in a round frame, this means that the owner of the car is a believer, usually of Georgian nationality. Most likely, the car was consecrated in the Church, because when the car was consecrated in Georgia, an image of the Bolnisi cross was glued on it. There may be such an option that the owner of the car simply buys a sticker with the Georgian cross and sticks it on his own, as a sign of his faith. In any case, this sign does not carry any malicious intent. Do not confuse it with sectarian symbols - it has nothing to do with them. A Georgian cross for a car can be purchased at a Georgian church shop or ordered online.
Of course, such an option is also possible that the car was purchased, and the new owner simply did not remove the sticker for some reason. In this case, the Bolnisi cross by car may not have any relation to the faith of its owner.
Why do I need to bless the car
Consecrating a car, one must understand that this ritual is not accepted to be perceived as a kind of magical action that can save the car from an accident and other troubles. Although, of course, people pursue precisely these goals. The sanctification of any thing is necessary in order to show that a person devotes it, as well as his thoughts and deeds to God. When sanctifying a machine, one must be aware that it is only a means of transportation. When you come to the priest for this demand - come to God, first of all, it is you, and not the mountain of iron.
True faith can work miracles, and it will help you avoid accidents on the road. If the ritual is carried out simply as a tribute to fashion, it will be of little use. The church does not engage in magic and conspiracy of things. It is impossible to “speak” a car or any other property. That is why it is necessary to consciously approach this issue so that the consecration of the machine does not become just a ritual.
Conclusion
The Georgian cross by car is a sign of the Orthodox faith. Whether a person sanctified his car, or simply pasted an image - in any case, he considers himself an Orthodox Christian, and wants to demonstrate this to others. And there is nothing wrong with this, since the Christian religion preaches peace, love and goodness. Accordingly, the person behind the wheel, most likely, also adheres to these values. Although for people far from religion, a Bolnis cross on a car will only tell you that the driver is most likely a person of a certain nationality, and hardly anyone will delve into the issues of his faith. Thus, the Bolnisi cross by car for religious people will testify to the Orthodox faith of the owner of the car, and for atheists to determine the person’s driving at the wheel of Georgian nationality.