Editing Openai/69305b3c-3288-8006-ba0e-1bc68ed70241 (section)

=== 1. The FIRST Christian symbol was NOT the cross ===

The earliest symbols (1st–3rd century) were:

==== ✔️ 1. The Fish — “Ichthys” ====

This is the oldest widely used Christian symbol.

ΙΧΘΥΣ (ICHTHYS) in Greek = fish
But also an acronym:
* I — Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) = Jesus
* Ch — Χριστός (Christos) = Christ
* Th — Θεοῦ (Theou) = of God
* Y — Υἱός (Huios) = Son
* S — Σωτήρ (Sōtēr) = Savior

➡️ Meaning: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”

Early Christians drew a simple fish to identify themselves secretly during persecution.

==== ✔️ 2. The Anchor ====

Used in catacombs.

Symbolized:
* Hope
* Safety in the storm
* Stability in faith

It also hid a cross shape inside the anchor, but without showing an obvious crucifixion symbol.

==== ✔️ 3. The Good Shepherd ====

One of the most common images in the first 200–250 years.

Jesus represented as:
* A young shepherd
* Carrying a lamb on his shoulders

This was taken from Greco-Roman art of the “Kriophoros” (ram-bearer), adapted safely so Romans wouldn’t see it as rebellion.

==== ✔️ 4. The Chi-Rho (☧) ====

Introduced around 312 AD by Constantine.
Not the cross yet.

Chi (Χ) + Rho (Ρ) = first two letters of Χριστός (Christ).