A cross the four arms of which are of equal length. It is found only rarely in early Christian art. Later it was used on pillars and roofs of churches to denote that they were consecrated. It is much used in the decoration of Eastern churches. A Greek cross inscribed in a square formed the ground plan of the church of Saint Sophia, built by the Emperor Justinian in Constantinople, 537, and thereafter of many other Eastern churches.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More