Aprocessional cross is acrucifix orcross which is carried inChristianprocessions.^[1] Such crosses have a long history: theGregorian mission of SaintAugustine of Canterbury to England carried one before them "like a standard", according toBede. Other sources suggest that all churches were expected to possess one. They became detachable from their staffs, so that the earliestaltar crosses were processional crosses placed on a stand at the end of the procession. In large churches the "crux gemmata", or richly jewelled cross in precious metal, was the preferred style. Notable early examples include theCross of Justin II (possibly a hanging votive cross originally),Cross of Lothair, andCross of Cong.^[2]

In theEastern Orthodox Church, there are different traditions surrounding the use of the processional cross. Traditional practice, still followed among churches of theRussian or other Slavic traditions, is that the use of the processional cross during the normal cycle of divine services is aprimatial privilege, and will only be done when thePatriarch or First Hierarch is serving. In the modern Greek tradition, the processional Cross is often carried during theEntrance atVespers, and during theLesser andGreat Entrances at theDivine Liturgy, regardless of whether thecelebrant is a primate.

In all traditions, the cross is carried in outdoor processions, known ascross-processions for such events asPalm Sunday,Paschal Matins, duringBright Week, processions to honour therelics oricon of asaint, or on other festal occasions. On itspatronalfeast day aparish church ormonastery will often serve amoleben (intercessory prayer service) during which a cross-procession will take place around the outside of the church. The processional cross is also used atfunerals.

During an outdoor procession, the cross will usually be preceded by a large processional lantern and adeacon withthurible (incense).Religious banners andicons will follow. Then thechanters andclergy, and finally the people.

When not in use, the processional cross may be placed in the sanctuary, behind theHoly Table (altar).

Some Orthodox processional crosses will have an icon of theCrucifixion on one side, and theResurrection on the other. The side with the Resurrection will face forward onSundays and during thePaschal season, the Crucifixion will face forward on other days.

In theRoman Catholic,Lutheran andAnglican churches, processional crosses are used in processions and, in Roman Catholicism, Lutheranism andHigh Church Anglicanism, also preceded by incense. The processional cross in these denominations is usually flanked or followed with candles. The cross is brought up to the altar by analtar server who has been chosen to serve ascrucifer.

Among Roman Catholics, Lutherans andHigh Church Anglicans, the processional cross will usually be acrucifix. InNonconformistProtestant-oriented parishes, the processional cross will usually be an empty cross.

In someMethodist churches the processional cross is brought up to the Communion Table or Chancel by acrucifer at the beginning of the service and placed behind/ at the Communion Table, then acting as anAltar cross.^[3] The acolytes that follow then bow to the cross at the Communion Table. The Cross represents the Lord's presence at the Communion Table.^[4]

Every Friday devout pilgrims visitingJerusalem walk alongVia Dolorosa in the footsteps of Jesus. They walk behind a group leader carrying a large wooden cross and pause at each of 14 stations along the route.^[5]

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  Head of theTully Lough Cross. Irish, 8th or 9th century^[6]
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  Ottonian processional crucifix, 10th centuryEssencathedral.
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  TheCross of Cong, the most highly decorated of the early 12th-century Irish Christian ornamented processional crosses.^[7]
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  Double-Sided Processional Cross. Master of Monte del Lago, late 14th century,Brooklyn Museum
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  Catholic Processional crucifix (modern)
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  LutheranChurch of Sweden processional crucifix (modern)

• Crucifer
• Altar crucifix

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