Chi-Rho

Definition and Meaning

The Chi-Rho is a monogram (a symbol that combines several letters into a single figure) formed from the first two letters of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ (Christos, "Christ"). Because the rho (Ρ) is superimposed vertically on the capital chi (Χ), the symbol resembles the Latin letters X and P combined. In Korean it is also called kairo, following the English pronunciation, and Korean churches sometimes simply call it "XP" after its appearance.

"Christ" is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew "Messiah" and means "the anointed one." The Chi-Rho is therefore a sign of the name of Jesus Christ, and, like IHS, it belongs to the class of Christian symbols formed by abbreviating the letters of a name. It is often flanked by Α (alpha) and Ω (omega), the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. This pairing expresses the confession that Christ is the beginning and the end, drawing on the title Alpha and Omega found in passages such as Revelation 1:8.

Biblical and Historical Background

The Chi-Rho symbol itself does not appear in the Bible. The title "Christ" and the expression "Alpha and Omega," however, come from the New Testament. The same shape is reported to have been used in pre-Christian Greek documents as an abbreviation for other words.

The symbol spread widely as a Christian emblem in the fourth century under the Roman emperor Constantine. Lactantius and Eusebius report that before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312, Constantine received a revelation in a dream or vision and had the sign painted on his soldiers' shields, though their accounts differ in detail. The Chi-Rho was subsequently placed on the imperial military standard known as the labarum, as well as on coins, sarcophagi, and wall paintings in the catacombs (underground burial sites). It became an emblem of the era in which Christianity received official recognition, and in the Middle Ages it was also used to decorate biblical manuscripts. The X in the English word "Xmas" likewise derives from the Greek letter chi.

Practice in Korean Churches

In Korean churches, the Chi-Rho is most commonly seen on the following:

• Paraments covering the pulpit and the Communion table
• Stoles worn by ministers over their gowns
• Church logos and bulletin covers
• Gravestones and Christmas decorations

The symbol is relatively familiar in denominations that emphasize liturgy (worship following an established form and order), such as the Anglican Church of Korea and the Lutheran Church in Korea. It is also widely used in the Catholic Church on vestments and in church decoration. Among Methodists and Presbyterians, Chi-Rho designs are reportedly encountered more often as a growing number of churches change the colors of their paraments and stoles according to the liturgical calendar. Because the Reformed tradition has historically exercised restraint regarding images and symbols in the sanctuary, the extent of its use varies from church to church.

Some Christians are reluctant to use the Chi-Rho because of its historical association with a Roman emperor. The usual response is that the Chi-Rho is simply an abbreviation of the name of Christ. No denomination makes the symbol a doctrinal requirement, and its use is generally left to the discretion of each local congregation.