Background

The Chi-Rho is one of Christianity’s oldest and most enduring symbols, formed by combining the Greek letters Chi and Rho, the first two letters of Christos, meaning Christ. Early Christians used this sacred monogram to represent Jesus Christ, incorporating it into funerary art, inscriptions, and religious objects. The symbol gained greater prominence during the fourth century when Emperor Constantine adopted it for his imperial military standard, known as the labarum. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the Chi-Rho appeared in church mosaics, manuscripts, and sacred artwork, often accompanied by the Alpha and Omega to express Christ’s eternal nature. Nearly seventeen centuries later, Catholics continue to encounter the Chi-Rho on altar furnishings, vestments, and devotional objects. From the workshops of ancient Rome to the sanctuaries of today’s Catholic churches, these two Greek letters remain a timeless proclamation of faith in Jesus Christ.

About This Film

What do the Greek letters Chi and Rho mean? Together, they form the Chi-Rho, an ancient Christian monogram representing Jesus Christ.
This short cinematic film explores the symbol’s origins, its use among early Christians, its association with Emperor Constantine, and its lasting place in Catholic sacred art.

Chi Rho – Catholic Symbols Explained | Episode 001