Orthodox Cross Headstones: Symbols and Inscriptions
Headstone traditions for Ukrainian, Russian, Serbian and Greek Orthodox families — the three-bar cross, Cyrillic and Greek inscriptions, portraits and 'Eternal Memory'.
Orthodox Christian communities across Canada and the US have their own memorial traditions. Customs differ by church and family, so ask your parish priest when in doubt.
The Orthodox cross
Many Slavic Orthodox churches use a three-bar cross: a short top bar for the inscription plaque, the main crossbar, and a slanted lower footrest. Greek Orthodox memorials often use a plain cross.
Common phrases
| Language | Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ukrainian | Вічна пам'ять | Eternal memory |
| Russian | Вечная память | Eternal memory |
| Serbian | Вечна му/јој слава | Eternal glory to him/her |
| Greek | Αιωνία η μνήμη | Eternal memory |
Always have a fluent speaker or your parish check the spelling.
Scripts
Cyrillic and Greek letters engrave cleanly, but the engraver must use the correct characters — never a look-alike Latin letter. Check the proof carefully. See multilingual inscriptions.
Other traditions
- Portraits — etched or ceramic — are very common.
- Some families include both the Julian and Gregorian dates, or a name day.
- Bilingual layouts with English on the back are popular.
Key Takeaways
- Slavic Orthodox memorials often use the three-bar cross.
- "Eternal memory" is the most common inscription.
- Check Cyrillic or Greek spelling with your parish.
Next Step
Send your wording and the parish-approved spelling with your quote request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the three-bar Orthodox cross?
A cross with a short top bar, the main crossbar and a slanted lower footrest, used by many Slavic Orthodox churches.
What does Вічна пам'ять mean on a headstone?
It is Ukrainian for "Eternal memory".
Can Cyrillic be engraved on a headstone?
Yes. Make sure the engraver uses genuine Cyrillic characters and check the proof carefully.
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