An Armenian cross is a symbol that combines a cross with a floral postament or elements. In the Armenian Christianity it was combined with the Christian cross and this design was often used for high crosses (khachkar) – a free-standing cross made of stone and often richly decorated. Pre-Christian connections The Armenologist James R. Russell notes that the Armenian Cross incorporates influences from Armenia's Zoroastrian past. As Zoroastrian traditions were very much integrated into Armenian spirital and material culture, they survived the zealotry of the Sasanian priest Kartir () and his successors, and were ultimately incorporated into Armenian Christianity. Russell adds: "The Armenian Cross itself is supported on tongues of flame and has at its center not the body of Christ, but a sunburst". Gallery See also Celtic knot High cross Khachkar References Bibliography External links Khatchkar collection at Armenica.org Old Jugha page on Armeniapedia Destruction of Jugha khachkars by Azeri soldiers captured in photos and movie clips. Khachkar page on Armeniapedia (many photos) Photos at Armenia Photos.info Photos of 15th/16th CE khatchkars near Bitlis, Turkey Khachkar.am :: Everything about khachkars Triumph of Tolerance or Vandalism? Photos and history of Khachkars Djulfa Virtual Memorial and Museum Photos of Exceptional Samples of Armenian Cross-Stones (Khachkars) Christian art Armenian art Christian crosses Crosses by culture High crosses National symbols of Armenia