Rabbula Cross

The Rabbula Cross is named after the scribe of an ancient Syriac Gospel Book.

Folio of the Ascension seen in the 6^th century Rabbula Gospels
(Click image to enlarge)

The Rabbula Cross is a concave pattée cross with eight small buds enclosed within a circle.

It was found in an elaborately illuminated 6^th century Syriac Gospel Book, which had been signed by its scribe, Rabbula.

Nothing is known of this person but it is possible he or she was named after the 5^th century Rabbula, bishop of Edessa (411-435).

This ancient symbol is also seen carved in cave churches throughout Lebanon.

Various orders of Maronites use this cross since it has Early Church and Syriac monastic roots.