SHIELD AND CREST

By The Grace Of God and Through the hand of His Eminence The Patriarch Vladiko Antonio, Leaders Of The Russian Orthodox Church in Russia, His Eminence The Patriarch Dr. Chief Alexander Swift Eagle Justice, is Knyaz (Prince) of the Russian Royal Family with the Title “Grand Duke of the Holy Russian Empire.” View Decree of Elevation - February 2004

Metropolitan/Archbishop and Member of the Imperial Holy Orthodox Synod of the Holy Orthodox Church of All Russia and Appointed Chief Patriarch for United States of America - California, Mexico and for ALL Latin American Countries.

Metropolitan/Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Native Americans and President of the College of Bishops of the Mexican National Catholic Church

Bishop of The National Pentecostal Overcoming Churches of the World Inc. View Certificate

E Pluribus Unum	Saint Andrew Andrew was the brother of Peter. He is said to have founded the church in Russia. He is the patron saint of both Russia and Scotland. *Tradition holds that Andrew was crucified in Greece on a cross saltire.* Motto: E Pluribus Unum - "From Many One" because Bishop Justice has lines of succession from six Bishops and may be as a bandage on the many Schisms among Churches.
	Double Headed Eagle of the Holy Russian Empire
Ark of the Covenant	The word "ark" means, literally, "chest." The ark of the covenant was the chief artifact of the tabernacle, the place where God dwelt and where his glory shone. It was a wooden box overlaid with gold and covered with a lid, called the "mercy seat," made of solid gold. On top of the lid were two golden angels (cherubim) whose wings extended over it. Inside of the ark were kept the tablets of the law, a pot of manna, and Aaron's staff.
Butterfly	The butterfly is a symbol of the Resurrection. The beautiful butterfly rising from the seemingly lifeless chrysalis of the ugly caterpillar reminded the early Christians of the new life that is ours in Christ. Season: Easter
	The Chi Rho is one of the most ancient "sacred monograms" of Christ. They were developed by early Christians as a secret sign of their faith. This monogram is composed of the first two Greek letters of the word "Christ" (XPICTOC). The Chi Rho has many variations. Click here to see more.
	The shepherd's crook is a reminder of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. It may also be used as a symbol of King David or of the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus in the manger. A highly ornamented crook is called a "crosier" (French for "cross-bearer"), and is a symbol of ecclesiastical authority carried by a bishop or abbot.
	Tongues of flame, especially when shown resting on the heads of the disciples, are symbolic of the Holy Spirit and His anointing and power. Fire is also symbolic of spiritual zeal. Flames may also represent the torments of hell. When a saint is portrayed holding a flame in his or her hand, it represents religious fervor.
	The Agnus Dei (Latin for "Lamb of God") may appear in several postures. Standing with a banner, it represents the risen Christ who triumphs over death. Standing with a cross and bleeding from a gash in its side, it represents the suffering and death of our Lord. Seated on a book with seven seals, it represents the final judgment when Christ returns in glory. This symbol is rich in significance. John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the Revelation, Jesus is portrayed as a lamb. Even in the Old Testament, God's provision of a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac is an important type of Christ.
Nimbus	In art the nimbus, or halo, is often placed behind the head of religious figures. The nimbus is sometimes a simple circle, which represents eternity or eternal life. A circle with three rays is symbolic of the Trinity, and is reserved for representations of the Godhead, especially of Christ. The same idea is sometimes represented with a triangular nimbus.
Wheat	Wheat is a rich biblical symbol. From Jesus' parables, wheat came to represent believers over against the "weeds" or "tares", which represent unbelievers. Wheat may also be used to represent the bread in Holy Communion and, further, the Body of Christ.
Cross (Patriarchal)	This is an ecclesiastical cross that is often seen carried by the patriarchs in works of art. The upper bar represents the inscription placed on the cross by Pilate. It was adopted by cardinals and archbishops as a hierarchical distinction.