Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Muiredach Cross

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Muiredach Cross

Overlooking the beautiful labyrinth in Holy Trinity’s columbarium garden stands a replica of the Corss of Muiredach. The original Cross of Muiredach, about 18 feet fall, is located at Monasterboice Co. Louth, Ireland and dates back to the 10th century when it was built in honor of an abbot who lived in the monastic site around that time. The original cross, often called a “sermon in stone,” was probably built primarily for educational purposes to tach the inhabitants living in the area at the time about the Bible through its many carvings depicting stories from the Old and New Testament. As such, the Muiredach Cross is about one of thirty Irish high crosses, known as “Scripture Crosses,” which were heavily paneled with figure carvings and other ornamentation.

The iconography of the biblical subjects on the cross is of great interest. Of the Scripture Crosses, the Last Judgment usually occupies one side of the crosshead, with the Crucifixtion on the other side. This is true, as you can see, for the Holy Trinity Muiredach Cross. For Christian believers, Christ’s suffering and death brought the promise of redemption, a theme emphasized by the crucifixion. The Resurrection panels are representative of Christian hope.

There is little doubt that the original Muiredach Cross served as a place for prayer, meditation, and penance, and it is possible that specific services or liturgical ceremonies occurred beside them, particularly on Good Friday. As you pause to observe, admire, and examine in detail this Celtic Cross, dwell here for a while to meditate on its features, and please use this guide to assist you in understanding its many intriguing and beautiful features.

One side of the Muiredach cross depicts several seemingly disparate Old and New Testament subjects. Its main theme, however, is the Last Judgment. From the base up are the fall of man, and the murder of Abel, David’s victory over Goliath, Moses drawing water from the rock, the adoration of the Magi, and the Lasts Judgment. However, these subjects were chosen for their doctrinal and typological significance and underscore the connections between sin, atonement, and judgment.

Another side of the cross depicts the Crucifixion. Rather than a dying suffering Christ, he is represented as Christ Trimphant (ChristusTriumphans) or Christ the King (Christus Rex).