The sign of the cross

But nowhere, in the case of any of those called sons of Zeus, did they imitate the crucifixion, because they did not understand it; everything said about it had been spoken symbolically, as we have already shown.

Yet this, as the prophet foretold, is the greatest symbol of his strength and rule, as is also shown by things visible before our eyes. Consider everything in the world and whether it can be administered or held together without this form. The sea cannot be crossed unless that trophy called a sail remains secure on the ship. The earth is not plowed without it. Diggers and craftsmen likewise do not perform their work except with tools that have this shape.

The human form differs from that of irrational animals especially in being upright and having the arms capable of being extended, and in bearing on the face, projecting from the forehead, what is called the nose, through which the living creature breathes; this too displays no other form than that of the cross. Thus it was also said through the prophet: “The breath before our face is Christ the Lord.”

Your own symbols also display the power of this form—[not to pass over] the standards and trophies by which your processions take place everywhere, displaying in them the signs of your rule and power, even though you do this without understanding it. And you set up the images of your emperors when they die upon this form and call them gods in inscriptions.

Since, then, we have exhorted you as far as we are able both by reason and by the visible form itself, we know that from now on we are without responsibility even if you refuse to believe. What belongs to us has been done and completed.