Russia’s new currency symbol has hit a nerve with the Orthodox Christian community, as they say it closely resembles a version of the ancient monogram for Jesus Christ’s name,
Chi Rho.
Andrew Kuraev, Archdeacon of the Russian Orthodox Church and Professor at the Moscow Theological Academy,
blogged about his disappointment with the new ruble symbol, a day after it was adopted in an online vote.
Kuraev says the symbol approved by the central bank is an exact replica of the staurogram, which is a version of the Christian Chi Rho. He plans to take up the issue with Russia’s Synodal Biblical Theological Commission.
“The ruble symbol is an exact reproduction of an early Christian symbol of Christ. I just don't know whether I should be happy about it or not," Kuraev wrote on his blog Thursday.
The shape of the Christian symbol has significantly transformed over the years, but the very ancient form is almost an exact copy of the symbol chosen by the Central Bank.
Read More: Orthodox clergy claim new Ruble sign like Christ's — RT Business
