The inspiration for this cross came from the murals and icons of the Kyiv Perchesk Lavara which is known as the Kyiv Monastery of the Caves. In the mid 11th century an Orthodox monastery was founded in Kyiv by Saint Anthony of the Caves near the village of Berestove. Over the centuries the monks excavated the labyrinthine catacombs which have now become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today the catacombs are used partly as a monastery and partly as a museum. They are a complex maze and difficult to navigate. But, at closing time, monks with candles help guide lost visitors back to the entrance. This cross has special significance in today's world, as Ukraine fights for its independence from Russian incursion.
Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 1 3/4"