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Arch Symbols Going Toward the Altar

	IHS - are the first three letters (iota, eta, sigma) of the Greek spelling of Jesus.
	ST. PATRICK - the shamrock is a symbol of the Trinity and of St. Patrick, who used it to explain to unbelievers how God is One God in three Persons. The "X" cross has become a symbol of humility in suffering.
	AUSPICIA MARIA - meaning under the protection or support; patronage of Mary. The rose usually shown in stylized form is used to represent the Messianic promise. A five-pointed star is the star of Bethlehem. Shaped roughly like a human being, it represents Jesus' incarnation. The star is also a symbol of divine guidance and favor.
	ST. JOSEPH - is patron of carpenters as symbolized by the carpenters rule and of a happy death .
	AGNUS DEI - Latin for "Lamb of God" The Lamb, Reclining on the Book of the Seven Seals (Revelation 5:1.) Reclining because He is the Wounded Lamb, it represents the final judgment when Christ returns in glory.
	PELICAN- Tradition says that the pelican, in times of famine, rips open it's own breast and feeds it's young her blood. During the 13th century, this figure became widely used in Christian art to represent Jesus' voluntary sacrifice of atonement for us on the cross.
	CHI RHO- the Chi Rho is one of the most ancient "sacred monograms" of Christ. Early Christians developed them as a secret sign of their faith. This monogram is composed of the first two Greek letters of the word "Christ" (XPICTOC).
	ALPHA AND OMEGA- Alpha is the first and Omega the last letters of the Greek alphabet, and thus refer to the eternal nature of Christ.
	JESUS CHRIST, CONQUEROR - cross is complemented with the first and last letters of the Greek name for Jesus (IC), the first and last letters of the Greek word for Christ (XC), and the Greek word for Conqueror (NIKA).
	BUDDED CROSS - This widely used cross calls to mind the Trinity because of its trefoil end caps.
	PSALMS 150:4 - Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. This symbol and the one below are located in the Choir loft.
	PSALMS 150:3- Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.The harp is recognized as an attribute of King David. It has been used to represent the Psalms and all music and instruments that are used to praise and glorify God.