Orthodox Rings — "Save and Protect" Ring, Cross & IC XC NIKA

Orthodox ring engraved with the prayer "Спаси и сохрани" (Save and protect), Orthodox cross ring or IC XC NIKA ring: a piece of faith jewelry to wear every day, discreet and full of meaning. A thoughtful gift for a baptism, a name day or an Orthodox loved one.

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Orthodox ring: a prayer to wear on your finger

In the Orthodox world, an Orthodox ring is much more than a piece of jewelry. Engraved with a short prayer, a cross or the monogram of Christ, it stays with the believer every day and recalls their faith with every gesture. Our collection of Orthodox rings brings together the designs most worn in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Greece and the Balkans: the "Спаси и сохрани" ring, the Orthodox cross ring and the IC XC NIKA ring.

Our Orthodox rings: which design to choose?

"Спаси и сохрани" ring (Save and protect)

This is the best-known Orthodox ring. The Church Slavonic inscription "Спаси и сохрани" (Spasi i sokhrani) comes from the prayer "Господи, спаси и сохрани": "Lord, save and protect". Very common among Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian believers, it is worn as a protection ring and is often handed down in the family.

Orthodox cross ring

The Orthodox cross ring bears the eight-pointed cross of the Russian and Slavic tradition, or the Greek cross with equal arms. Simple and easy to read, it is a discreet sign of faith that men and women both enjoy.

IC XC NIKA ring

The letters IC XC NIKA abbreviate the Greek for "Jesus Christ conquers". They appear on icons, prosphora and Byzantine crosses. The IC XC NIKA ring especially suits believers of Greek, Cypriot or Byzantine tradition.

The ring in Orthodox tradition

Carrying a prayer with you is an old practice in the Orthodox Church, like the baptismal cross worn around the neck. A ring continues that gesture: it recalls the prayer of the heart and God's presence throughout the day. Many believers have their ring blessed by a priest before wearing it.

In Orthodox countries the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the right hand, the hand used to make the sign of the cross. An Orthodox ring can be worn on whichever hand and finger you like.

How to find your ring size

  • With a ring you already wear: measure its inside diameter in millimeters and compare it with the chart on the product page.
  • With a piece of string or a strip of paper: wrap it around the base of your finger, mark where it meets and measure the length in millimeters. Compare this circumference with the chart on the product page.
  • Between two sizes: choose the larger one, as fingers swell a little at the end of the day and in warm weather.

An Orthodox ring as a gift

  • Baptism or chrismation: a first piece of faith jewelry to keep for life.
  • Name day (the feast of the saint whose name you bear): a symbolic gift much appreciated in Orthodox families.
  • Orthodox Easter and Christmas: a sign of faith to give to a loved one.
  • A departure, a journey or a new stage in life: the "Save and protect" ring is often given as a blessing for the road.

Frequently asked questions

What does "Спаси и сохрани" mean?

It is Church Slavonic for "Save and protect". The inscription comes from the short prayer "Господи, спаси и сохрани", "Lord, save and protect".

What does IC XC NIKA mean?

IC and XC are the Greek abbreviations of Jesus and Christ, and NIKA means "conquers": "Jesus Christ conquers".

Can someone who is not Orthodox wear an Orthodox ring?

Yes. These rings are first of all signs of Christian faith. Wear one with respect, as you would a cross or a medal.

What are your rings made of?

The material, dimensions and available sizes are listed on each ring's product page.