The Early Christians

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The Early Christians Symbols The Papacy
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Christian Symbols

• The cross was the most widespread and enduring
  of all Christian symbols
• By the third century, the practice of making the
  sign of the cross was deeply rooted in the
  Christian world

• Another widespread and ancient Christian symbol
  is the fish
• Greek for fish is ichthys which stands for
  Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour
• The anchor symbolizes safety and hope

A carving on a tombstone in the early fourth
century catacomb of St. Domatilla depicts the
fish symbol combined with the cross-like anchor
symbol.
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The Apostles and their symbols . . .
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The Papacy
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church The
episcopal college and its head, the Pope 880
Peter is chosen as the first Pope 881 Peter is
named the rock of the Church 882 The Pope is
the Bishop of Rome, the Vicar of Christ 883 The
college or body of bishops only has authority
with the Pontiff as its head 884 The college of
bishops has power over the universal Church in a
solem, ecumenical council
Pope Benedict XVI, elected April 19, 2005
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885 This college expresses the variety and
universality of the People of God the unity of
the flock of Christ, under one head 886
Individual bishops are the source of unity in
their own Churches they are assisted by priests
and deacons. The bishops extend the Church
especially to the poor, to those persecuted for
the faith, as well as to missionaries who are
working throughout the world.
Pope John Paul II