Wood-carved blessing cross with representations of the Twelve Apostles and gilded binding, year 1669

A wood-carved blessing cross (height 31,7 cm), the wood-carved core of which is decorated in the center with the scenes of the Crucifixion and the Nativity, framed by the multifaceted scenes of the Twelve. Their binding was made of gilded silver, decorated with beautiful semi-precious stones, which are held in deep cylindrical cases. The winding shoots and the three-petaled anthelia, which on the side faces are filled with indigo forming plant ornaments, correspond to the style of the new floral baroque that prevails in the works of Constantinople, but also in certain Ottoman objects of the time. On the handle of the cross there is a well-written inscription, from which we are informed that it was constructed at the expense of the great logothete at the court of Moldavia, Nicolas Buchosi, and his Greek wife Anna. The work is proof of the close relations of the Monastery with Moldavia at this time.