GREEK CROSS TATTOO - The Greek-Russian Orthodox Cross (also known as the Russian Cross) was first used by Byzantine artists. The bar above the main crossing member represents the abbreviated inscription placed by the Roman governor Pilate which read INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, Latin for Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews). The origin of the small diagonal beam at the bottom is lost to time but several explanations have been put forth: it is a foot rest and Jesus’ legs were of different lengths; it is a footrest and the earthquake that occurred after his death dislodged it; it represents the robber on his right side who ascended with him to heaven, it symbolizes the main saint of Russia (the most likely explanation), St. Andrew, who was crucified on a torture rack of diagonally crossed beams. More Christian Tattoos