Grave of the Priests

Grave of the Priests

Symbols: Hand; IHS in solar disc; Chalice; Dove; Grapes; Grains

The Hand is one of the most expressive symbols. Aristotle wrote about hands as "tool of tools." Therefore, the hand of God at the tomb symbolizes a tool of God, His holy power and grandeur, security and justice. Stretched fingers represent divine Christ and human Jesus, dual nature of son of God.

The following symbol on the grave are the letters IHS, inscribed in a circle. IHS, or monogram of Son of God, is combination of letters from Jesus' name. It consists of the first three Greek letters in the name IHΣΟΥΣ, Jota (I), ete (H) and sigma (Σ). This symbol is particularly common in the context of Latin Christianity from 7. Century A.D. Monogram had several meanings. IHS can be read as Iesus hominum Salvator (Jesus, Saviour of Humanity), or In Hoc Signo (In this sign). IHS symbol on the priests tombstone is inscribed in a circle, which is a reference to Saint Bernard of Siena. He popularized the use of IHS symbol. He borrowed old pre-Christian symbol, circle, which represent solar disk that it is at the centre of the solar disk.

The dove represents the Holy Spirit. It is a part of the holy trinity, with God the Father and Son of God. Jesus Christ. Three divine entities representing Triune God, as one being in three persons. In New Testament are over 90 references to the Holy Spirit, which is mostly represented in symbols. The image of the dove represents the creation, image of the storm is symbol of power and fiery tongues are expression of faith. The Holy Spirit is also in the form of clouds and light. It is also known under different names: Spirit of truth; Spirit of Christ; Spirit of God; Spirit of Glory… In the Bible it is manifested through the prophets it inspired in the name of God. Holy Spirit fills mother Mary with his grace and makes her virginity fruitful, to give birth to the Son of God. It filled John the Baptist, the last prophet of the Old Testament, who is sent by will of God to "prepare for the Lord receptive people" (Lk 1:17), and announce the coming of the Son of God. Later, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples, to inspire them after his departure. Theology, specializing in the Holy Spirit is called pneumatology.

Representation of a chalice symbolizing Holy Grail, container of Christ's blood, which contains two elements: lost tradition and potion of immortality. Blood in the Grail is a principle of life, the homology of the heart or centre. Etymologically Grail means both, container and book. This confirms the double meaning of its content, revelation, and eternal life. Eucharistic chalices with Christ's body and blood express a similar symbolism as Grail. "Who eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life."

The symbolism of Christ's body and blood in tomb of priests is symbolized by grains and grapes.

Here on tomb is one more monogram of Christ, the so called XP cross. It consists from first two letters of Greek name Christos - Χριστος. It is also known under the following names: Labarum, Krizmon and Cross of Constantine. XP cross was a part of a vision of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Around 1700 years ago Constantine and five armies compete for crown of Roman Empire. Day before decisive battle around important crossing over the Tiber River north of Rome, Constantine had an unusual vision. Around noon on 27. October 312 AD, he saw the gleaming light in the sky, and then a cross consisting of the letters P and X. At this moment he heard a voice, which was addressed him in Latin: "In this sign you will win" (“In Hoc Signo vinces”). Constantine understood this as a revelation and a sign from God, so he decided, that this symbol became an emblem of his army. Next day, Constantine defeated his opponents, became Roman emperor and later enacted Christianity as state religion. XP as a monogram engraved on a shield is a symbol, which later served as military emblem. On the chest of Christian soldiers it reminds them of their fight against evil.

It is therefore no coincidence that in this grave rests a priest, a fighter for the rights of Slovenians in Maribor and historian Dr. Franc Kovacic. On Pobrežje cemetery we can see more XP crosses. In some cases, it is entered in square, other in a circle. In first case symbolizes Jesus, earth and his human nature, and in second Christ's heavenly and divine existence.

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