Symbol 11: Chi Rho

The Chi Rho symbol is one of the most ancient of the monograms of our Lord Jesus Christ. It takes the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ). Books have been written about this one symbol and its use in catacombs, coins, lamps, and pottery that have been discovered by archaeologists. Countless variations of the Chi Rho have been made over the centuries, often combining other names of Christ within the symbol or rearranging the two letters. Here, the upper-right portion of the Chi (Χ) is joined together with the Rho (Ρ).