Cross and Crescent Flag

This flag features a traditional Orthodox three-bar cross with a crescent moon and the letters IC XC NIKA, "Jesus Christ Conquers." This was a symbol of the Byzantine Empire, functionally similar to the double-headed eagle before the eagle came to prominence in the 10th-11th centuries. It came into widespread use in Russia and throughout the Orthodox world.

According to Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, the crescent moon itself was an ancient symbol of the Roman and Byzantine Empire, having been depicted on ancient Roman coins even before Christ; it was a symbol of power. (It was not until the fall of Constantinople that the Ottomans appropriated the crescent moon symbol for themselves, seeing their empire as the continuation, in a sense, of the Byzantine state.) The crescent moon is found on ancient Orthodox icons, vestments, and manuscripts. The cross and the crescent moon together create a shape reminiscent of an anchor, a symbol of salvation and of the Church as a ship.

This Legacy Icons exclusive flag is 3x5 feet (about 90x150 cm) in size. It features a double hemmed fly and a very sturdy reinforced hoist with metal grommets. 

Caring for your flag

• It is the nature of all fabric fibers to deteriorate and break down due to weather and exposure to the sun.
• For best longevity, fly your flag only during daylight hours during fair weather. Tests have shown that flying a flag 24 hours a day will generally reduce its lifespan by half or more.
• Flags can be hand washed with warm water and mild soap, rinsed thoroughly and spread out to dry.
• In wet conditions (rain or snow) a flag will naturally soak up water, adding mass to the flag which cause the fly end to fray more quickly. To avoid this, take your flag down in bad weather and during strong winds.
• If the fly end begins to fray, take the flag down immediately, trim it and re-hem it to help extend its lifespan.
• Consider having two flags and swapping them regularly. Tests have shown that flag fibers can benefit from periodic "rest," and you will not be without a flag while one is being cleaned or repaired.