5 Christian monograms and their meanings

Symbols have always played a powerful role in Christian tradition, offering believers a visual way to express, pass on, and understand their faith. Among these, monograms—letters deemed somehow sacred, intertwined into meaningful designs—carry deep theological and historical significance. Many of these symbols date back to the early Church, when Christians used coded signs to identify themselves amidst persecution. Today, they continue to appear in churches, religious art, vestments, and even personal devotions. Here are five important Christian monograms and what they represent.

One of the earliest and most recognizable Christian monograms, the Chi-Rho consists of the first two letters of Christos (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ) in Greek — Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ). According to tradition, Emperor Constantine saw this symbol in a vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312, accompanied by the words In hoc signo vinces (“In this sign, you will conquer”). He later adopted it as his standard, and it became a powerful emblem of Christ’s victory over sin and death.

This monogram comes from the first three letters of Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ) in Greek: Iota (Ι), Eta (Η), and Sigma (Σ). While often associated with the Jesuits — who use it as part of their seal — the symbol predates them by centuries. During the Middle Ages, it was popularized by St. Bernardine of Siena, who promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Sometimes, the letters are interpreted as Iesus Hominum Salvator (“Jesus, Savior of Humanity”) in Latin, though this is a later adaptation.

Another Christogram rooted in Greek, ICXC is a shorthand for Jesus Christ (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ). It combines the first and last letters of each word: IC from Iēsous (Jesus) and XC from Christos (Christ). Often seen in Byzantine iconography, the monogram is frequently accompanied by a cross or the gesture of Christ’s hand in blessing, with two fingers forming the letters. This symbol emphasizes both the humanity and divinity of Christ.

The AM monogram represents Ave Maria — the Latin greeting “Hail Mary.” Typically written with an intertwined A and M, it symbolizes the Virgin Mary and is widely used in Marian devotion. The monogram appears in many cathedrals and religious artifacts, reflecting Mary’s fundamental role in salvation history. It is sometimes stylized with a crown or a star to signify her queenship and immaculate nature.

This monogram has an alternate meaning of "Auspice Maria," or "under your guidance Mary." This phrasing alludes to the oldest Marian prayer, the "Under your protection" prayer, the earliest copy of which is found on an Egyptian papyrus.

A fascinating and lesser-known Christian monogram is the Greek inscription of the Archangel Michael’s name (Μιχαήλ). One of the most remarkable examples was discovered on a 1,300-year-old Sudanese mummy — a woman who had Michael’s name tattooed on her inner thigh. Scholars believe the tattoo, composed of the Greek letters Μ, Ι, Χ, and Α, was meant as a sign of protection. Michael, revered as the leader of heaven’s armies, has long been called upon for spiritual defense. The fact that this symbol was inked onto her skin suggests a deeply personal devotion, perhaps rooted in the belief that the archangel would guard her even beyond death.

Christian monograms are not just decorative symbols but rich expressions of faith, carrying centuries of meaning. Whether seen in ancient catacombs, medieval manuscripts, or even preserved on the body of a woman from centuries past, these symbols connect believers across time, uniting them in the mystery of Christ, His saints, and His Church.