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 Winged Creature with the Head of an Eagle, John (click for full size image)
The high soaring eagle represents John because in his narrative he rises to loftiest heights in dealing with the mind of Christ.
 Winged Creature with a Lion's Face, Mark (click for full size image)
The winged lion represents Mark because his Gospel narrative begins with, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness", and this suggests the roar of a lion.
 Lamb Standing with the Banner of Victory (click for full size image)
No longer wounded as in Rev 5:1, but standing with the banner of victory, suggesting the victorious nature of His sacrifice.
 Sheep, The Twelve Apostles (click for full size image)
The apostles have been symbolized as a group as well as individually. In one place, twelve doves are used; in another, twelve men are shown, each with a sheep. Some very early carvings represent the apostles as twelve sheep.
 Fish, Icthus and Cross (click for full size image)
A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
 Animals, St. Francis (click for full size image)
The well-born Francis resolved to devote his life to God. Founded the Franciscans, the members of which embrace complete poverty, and help the sick and suffering. Died 1226 A.D.
 Eagle, St. Wenceslas (click for full size image)
Duke of Bohemia. A Christian, he took over the reigns of government at the time of a pagan reaction. He was murdered by his pagan brother. Patron saint of the Czechs. Martyred about 938 A.D.
 Ox, St. Antipas (click for full size image)
He is venerated as the first Bishop of Pergamus (Asia Minor), and is by St. John in the Apocalypse (11:13) styled the "Faithful witness." Tradition avers that he was roasted to death in a brazen ox in the reign of the Emperor Domitian. Martyred 90 A.D.
 Stag, St. Eustace (click for full size image)
Eustace was a Roman officer under the Emperor Trajan. He owed his conversion to the image of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers which he saw while hunting. Died 118 A.D.
 Shell, James (the greater) (click for full size image)
The scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrimage and stands for this apostle's zeal and missionary spirit.
 Peacock (click for full size image)
An early symbol of the Resurrection, the peacock sheds his feathers but then grows new, even more brilliant feathers.
 Pelican (click for full size image)
Symbol of the Atonement. The pelican was believed to draw blood from its own breast to feed its young.
 Butterfly (click for full size image)
Symbolizes the resurrection and eternal life. As the butterfly leaves the pupa and soars upward with a new body, so through Jesus Christ are His followers borne to a new life.
 Snakes, St. Hilda (click for full size image)
Of royal blood, Hilda took the habit of a nun. Because of her piety and holy life she was soon appointed abbess. Her influence was a factor in securing unity in the English church. Died 680 A.D.
 Snake and shamrock, St. Patrick (click for full size image)
A captive British boy in Ireland, Patrick escaped and was educated in continental monasteries. Later he returned to Ireland preaching and teaching the Gospel and building churches. Patron saint of Ireland. Died about 465 A.D.
 Stag, St. Aidan (click for full size image)
An Irish monk of Iona who was sent to evangelize northern England and received the devoted help of Kings Oswald and Oswin. Died 651 A.D.
 Beehive, St. Chrysostrum or Chrysostom (click for full size image)
The name St. John Chrysostom comes from the Greek chrysotomos, writes Nikki Johnson)
John, Bishop of Constantinople became the most eloquent preacher of the early Church, and so was called Chrysostrum, or Golden-mouthed. Legend says that when he was a baby, a swarm of bees settled on his mouth. Died 407 A.D.
 Phoenix (click for full size image)
A mythical bird which at death bursts into flame but rises from its own ashes. Symbol of the Resurrection and immortal life.
 Fish, Icthus 4 (click for full size image)
A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary). Three fish intertwined represent the Holy Trinity.
 Fish, Icthus 1 (click for full size image)
A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
 Fish, Icthus 3 (click for full size image)
A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
 Fish, Icthus 2 (click for full size image)
A secret sign used by the early persecuted Christians to designate themselves as believers in Jesus. The initial letters for the Greek words for "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior", spell the Greek word for fish (see ICTHUS in the glossary).
 Horse, St. Theodore Tyro (click for full size image)
A soldier in the Roman army, Theodore set fire to the temple of Cybele, and suffered martyrdom for his deed. Martyred 306 A.D.
 Shepherd boy, St. Cuthbert (click for full size image)
A shepherd boy in Britain who embraced the monastic life. He became a faithful preacher and missionary to the wild and untamed mountain people of Scotland, and on the island of Farne. Died 687 A.D.
 Shepherd (click for full size image)
This symbol, found in the Catacombs, reminds us of the loving care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
 Winged Creature with the Head of an Ox, Luke (click for full size image)
The winged ox (an ox being an anumal of sacrifice) represents Luke, who stresses the atoning sacrifice of Jesus.
 Escallop Shell with Drops of Water (click for full size image)
A symbol of our Lord's baptism.
 Book on Fish, Simon the Zealot (click for full size image)
This symbol is a book upon which rests a fish, because through the power of the Gospel Simon became a great fisher of men.
 Dragon, St. Margaret (click for full size image)
The daughter of a pagan priest of Antioch, she became a Christian. She endured much persecution because of her faith, but remained true. Patron saint of women in childbirth. Martyred about 306 A.D.
 Lamb, St. Agnes (click for full size image)
She was a devoted follower of Jesus who steadfastly refused all offers of marriage, claiming she was the "bride of Christ." She is now considered the patroness of chastity. Died 654 A.D.
 Easter Bunny (click for full size image)
From the children's page, we know that there's no bunny distributing eggs in the Easter story. It's OK to celebrate spring, but remember the sacrifice of Jesus.
 Dove with Branch (click for full size image)
Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove brought an olive leaf to Noah to signify the end of the flood. Mark 1:10, Matt 3:16, Gen 8:10-11.
 Snail, shell, St. Lydia (click for full size image)
A seller of purple dyes, Lydia was converted through the preaching of Paul and was baptized with her whole household. She was the first recorded Christian convert in Europe. (Acts 16:14.) First Century.
 Hawk, St. Basil (click for full size image)
A bishop in Asia Minor, where he defended his province against the Arian heresy. He wrote many doctrinal works, founded the first recorded hospice for travelers, and wrote the Eucharistic Liturgy which bears his name. Died 379 A.D.
 Dog with torch, St. Dominic (click for full size image)
Born a nobleman of Spain, he resigned all worldly honors for his Master. He established the Dominican order of Preaching Friars, and did not spare himself in his work for the glory of God. Died 1221 A.D.
 Dove (click for full size image)
Symbolizes the Holy Spirit and peace. The dove brought an olive leaf to Noah to signify the end of the flood. Mark 1:10, Matt 3:16, Gen 8:10-11.
 Cock (click for full size image)
A crowing cock (or rooster) represents Peter's denial of Jesus and is generally symbolic of infidelity in the face of danger or persecution. Because of their crowing early in the morning, the cock is also used as a symbol of watchfulness and vigilance.
 Lamb (click for full size image)
The Lamb Reclining on the Book of the Seven Seals is noted in Revelation 5:1. The lamb is reclining because He is the Wounded Lamb. The three-rayed nimbus denotes deity.
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Chalice and Cross
Crown of Thorns and Nails 1
Crown of Thorns and Nails 2
Winged Creature with the Head of an Eagle, John
Jesus as a Palestinian
Gospel, Barnabas
All-Seeing Eye
Fallen idol, St. Cornelius
Prayer, St. Mary, wife of Cleophas (Cleopas)
Sheet music, St. Ambrose
Eight Pointed Star, Star of Regeneration
Nine Pointed Star, Star of the Fruits of the Spirit
Spoon, St. Raphael
Five Pointed Star, Epiphany Star, Star of Jacob 2
Five Pointed Star, Epiphany Star, Star of Jacob 1
Ship, St. Thaddaeus
Winged Creature with a Lion's Face, Mark
Grapes
Keys, Peter
Lamb Standing with the Banner of Victory
Lily, St. Gabriel
Greek Cross
Scroll, St. Theodore of Canterbury
Pen and sword, St. Alban
Censer
Circle
Sheep, The Twelve Apostles
Ascension
Andrew's Cross
Crucifix, St. Katherine (Catherine) of Sienna
Scale, St. Michael
St. George
Fish, Icthus and Cross
Upside down L with dots
Seven Pointed Star, Star of the Gifts of the Spirit
Arrows, St. Giles of Provence
Infant on Bible, St. Anthony of Padua
Elijah's Chariot of Fire
Celtic Cross, Cross of Iona
Dagger, St. Edward the Martyr
Chalice, St. Oswald
Animals, St. Francis
Eagle, St. Wenceslas
Ship, Jude
Fleur de Lis
Urn, St. Bede
Pillars, St. Athanasius
Bible, St. Denis (Dionysius) of Paris
Maltese Cross
IHS heart, St. Ignatius
Taoism
Sikhism
Chalice, John
Tau Cross
Twelve Pointed Star, Star of the Apostles
Crown and palm, St. Dorothy
Daisies, St. High of Grenoble
Souls of the Righteous
Jesus and Children
Shinto
Sword and Bible, St. Boniface
Ox, St. Antipas
Angel, female 2
Angel, female 1
Greek ruins, St. Titus
Stars with Orb, Star of the 12 Tribes
Bursting Pomegranate
Fire, St. Uriel
St. Augustine
Six-Pointed Star, Star of Creation, Star of David 1
Coins, St. Nicholas
Monk, St. Ansgarius (Anskar)
Open Bible
Bread, Philip
Knives, Bartholomew
Iron bed, St. Lawrence
Freemasonry
Stag, St. Eustace
Christmas Rose
Skull and Crossbones
Shell, James (the greater)
Calvary
Peacock
Scissors, St. Agatha
Bible, St. Martin
Pelican
Cross of Triumph
IHS ancient form
Scepter, St. Gregory
Purses, Matthew
Bible with Ax, Matthias
Crown, St. Louis
Anchor Cross
Butterfly
St. Andrew's Cross
Snakes, St. Hilda
Burning Torch
Jainism
Triquetra
Ax and crown, St. Olaf
Chi Rho
Circle and Triangle
Spiked wheel, St. Katherine (Catherine) of Alexandria
Purse, St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Horn, St. Hubert
Snake and shamrock, St. Patrick
Stag, St. Aidan
Hand of God 2
Hand of God 1
Carpenter's square and flowers, St. Joseph
Three-Rayed Nimbus
Beehive, St. Chrysostrum or Chrysostom
Arrows, St. Edmund
Mother and child, St. Elizabeth
Cannister, St. Mary Magdalen
Phoenix
Ax, St. Cyprian
Daisy
Bahai
Islam
Wheat
I.N.R.I.
Fish, Icthus 4
Fish, Icthus 1
Fish, Icthus 3
Fish, Icthus 2
Horse, St. Theodore Tyro
Candlestick
Shepherd boy, St. Cuthbert
Hat, St. Roch (Rocco)
Michelangelo's God
Ladder Crossed with Reed and Sponge
Stool, St. Mary of Bethany
Seamless Coat
Shepherd
Easter Eggs
Monastery, St. Gerald of Auriliae
Mountain, St. David
Alpha and Omega
Equilateral Triangle
Crown and Cross
Three Intertwining Circles
Tree, St. Bride (St. Bridget)
Lighthouse, St. Christopher
Carpenter's square and a spear, Thomas
Indigenous
Winged Creature with the Head of an Ox, Luke
Archangel Gabriel
Flowers, St. Mary
Anchor, St. Clement
Saw, James (the lesser)
Book, St. Bernard
Aureole
Bible, Paul
Palm Leaf
Shamrock, St. Gerald
Scroll, St. Asaph
Knives, St. Nathaniel
Buddhism
St. Faith
Six Pointed Star, Star of Creation, Star of David
Chi Rho with Alpha and Omega in a Circle
IHS modern form
Eleven Pointed Star, unknown origin
Hinduism
Coat and stones, St. Stephen
Pen, St. Cyril of Alexandria
Winged Creature with a Man's Face, Matthew
Shield of the Trinity
Escallop Shell with Drops of Water
Celtic cross, St. Columba (St. Colum)
Pillar, St. Simeon
Harp, St. Cecilia
Book on Fish, Simon the Zealot
Fylfot, Swastika
Latin Cross
Confucianism
Coat, St. John the Baptist
Aspergillum and cup, St. Martha
Jerusalem Cross, Crusader's Cross
Dragon, St. Margaret
Russian Orthodox Cross
Club and stones, St. Timothy
Rope on cross, St. Julia
King, St. Charles (King Charles I)
Five Pointed Star, Pentacle
Lamb, St. Agnes
Flame of the Holy Ghost
Book, St. Chad
Book, St. Anne
Coat, St. Vincent
Cornerstone
Christ's cross, St. Helena (Helen)
Pincers, Dunstan
IHS, St. Monica
Cliff, St. Sylvanus
Pen, St. Hilary of Poitiers
Nimbus (halo)
Four Pointed Star, Bethlehem Star, Epiphany Star
Jesus Christ, Conqueror
Easter Bunny
Archangel Michael
Washing feet, St. Lioba
Dove with Branch
Zoroastrianism
Snail, shell, St. Lydia
Ship, St. Wilfrid (Wilfred)
No More Coat Hangers
Hawk, St. Basil
Dog with torch, St. Dominic
Cross on the Rock
Heart, St. Valentine
Baptism of Jesus
Dove
Bell
Cock
Lily
Lamb
Lamp
Rope
Ship
Three-Step Cross, Graded Cross
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