Chi Rho Roundel
Phipps, Ball & Burnham 1920
7' 3" x 39"
To the Glory of God
DESCRIPTION: The roundel contains the familiar version of the Chi Rho symbol in white glass against a red background. Each of the arms and the center of the emblem contains golden nail heads. On either side of the Chi Rho is a golden fleur-de-lis.
SYMBOLISM: The Chi Rho is a monogram symbolizing Christ. It is comprised of the first two Greek letters, Chi (X) and Rho (P) of the title "Christos." These were eventually put together to form this symbol for Christ. The fleur-de-lis is the conventional form of the lily representing immortality as expressed in the Trinity.
THE STORY: As Constantine (272 A. D. - 337 A.D.) was about to go into battle with Maxentius in 312 A. D., he decided to pray to the Son of God although he was not a Christian. While praying, a vision of the Lord, holding the Chi Rho in His hand appeared, and a voice said: "In hoc signo vinces," (In this sign thou shalt conquer). Constantine placed this emblem upon the shields and standards of the Roman legion. The battle was won, and in time Constantine became the first Christian Roman Emperor.
MEMORIAL: The donor is not known. The window simply states: To the Glory of God.
Source: The Golden Cockerel: The Art, Symbolism & History of the Stained Glass Windows, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Key West, Florida by Winifred Shine Fryzel.
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