Canon
LXXIII.
Since
the life-giving cross has
shewn to us Salvation, we should be careful that we render due honour
to that by which we were saved from the ancient fall. Wherefore,
in mind, in word, in feeling giving veneration (
προσκύνησιν
)
to it, we command that the figure of the cross, which some have placed
on the floor, be entirely removed therefrom, lest the trophy of the
victory won for us be desecrated by the trampling under foot of those
who walk over it. Therefore those who from this present represent
on the pavement the sign of the cross, we decree are to be cut off.
Notes.
Ancient Epitome of Canon
LXXIII.
If there is a cross upon a pavement it must be
removed.
This canon defines that to the image of the cross is to
be “given veneration (
προσκύνησις
)
of the intellect, of the words, and of the sense,” i.e., the
cross is to be venerated with the interior cultus of the soul, is to be
venerated with the exterior culture of praise, and also with sensible
acts, such as kissings, bowings, etc.