The Meaning of the Symbols
on
the Ascension Kneeling Cushions
Left 1. The Alpha and Omega: The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, which signify that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things. Chalice with Grapes and Wheat: Symbol of the Holy Communion.
Left 2. St. Peter: The crossed keys recall Peter’s confession and our Lord’s gift to him of the keys of the kingdom. St. Andrew: Tradition says that while Andrew was preaching in Greece he was put to death on a cross of this type (X).
Left 3. St. James, Greater: The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrimage and stands for this apostle’s zeal and missionary spirit. St. John: The serpent rising out of the chalice symbolizes that John once drank from a poisoned chalice and was not harmed.
Left 4. St. Philip: The cross and two loaves of bread symbolize Philip’s remark when Jesus fed the multitude. St. Bartholomew: This apostle is said to have been skinned alive.
Center 5. St. Matthew: The winged man represents Matthew because his Gospel narrative traces Jesus’ human genealogy. St. Mark: The winged creature with a Lion’s face is the symbol for Mark because his Gospel narrative begins with "The voice of one crying in the wilderness" and this suggests the roar of a lion.
Center 6. St. Luke: Luke is symbolized by the ox, the animal of sacrifice, since Luke stresses the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. St. John: The eagle is the symbol for John because in his narrative he rises to loftiest heights in dealing with the mind of Christ.
Right 7. St. Thomas: The carpenter’s square and a spear is the symbol for Thomas, because this apostle is said to have built a church with his own hands in India. Later he was persecuted there and was killed with a spear by a pagan priest. St. Matthew: The symbol of three moneybags refers to Matthew’s original calling as a tax collector.
Right 8. St. James (The Lesser): Represented by a saw since it is said his body was sawn asunder. St. Matthias: Chosen to take the place of Judas, he is symbolized by an open Bible and double—bladed battle-ax. He is said to have been beheaded after his missionary work.
Right 9. St. Simon: Symbolizes that through the power of the Gospel, Simon became a great fisher of men. St. Jude: This apostle traveled far on missionary journeys in company with Simon; therefore he is symbolized by the ship.
Right 10. St. Paul: Referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles", but not one of the twelve apostles. Symbolized by an open Bible with the words, "SPIRITUS GLADIUS" (sword of the spirit), and behind the Bible the sword of the Spirit itself. Chi-rho: A monogram of the first two letters Chi (X) and Rho (P) of the Greek word for Christ.
The center cross on the altar kneelers is a form of the Greek cross.
Contact the Parish Office at (713) 781-1330 for more details.
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