vintage brass christian pendant Eastern Orthodox Christianity Catholic ICXC

Bought as part of a larger auction lot. Hope this can go to a loving home.

"Icxc" is an abbreviation commonly used in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It represents the first and last letters of "Jesus Christ" in Greek, which is "Ιησούς Χριστός" (Iēsoús Christós). The "I" is the first letter of "Jesus" (Ιησούς) and the "C" is the first letter of "Christ" (Χριστός). The "X" is the Greek letter "chi," which is the initial letter for "Christ."

This abbreviation is used as a Christogram, a monogram or combination of letters that represents Jesus Christ. In Eastern Orthodox Christian iconography and religious art, you might often see "ICXC" accompanied by the letters "NIKA" (ΝΙΚΑ), which means "conquers" or "is victorious," forming the phrase "ICXC NIKA," symbolizing the victory of Christ.

It's a visual representation and reminder of Christ's presence and victory in the lives of believers, commonly used in icons, artwork, and other religious contexts within Eastern Orthodox Christianity.