While for the majority of Orthodox traditions there is no distinct cross that may be known as the Orthodox Cross, a variant is known in the Russian/Belorussian/Ukrainian tradition. The Russian Cross is a variation of the Christian cross. The cross has three horizontal crossbeams, the top representing the plate with INRI, and the bottom, a footrest. In Russian Orthodox tradition, the lower beam is slanted, with the side to the viewer's left usually being higher. According to a recent Russian Orthodox Tradition, when Saint Andrew was preaching in southern Russia, he used a life-sized cross in this design and tilted the footrest to show that those on Christ's right would ascend to Heaven, while those on Christ's left would descend into Hell. Consequently, in the Russian Orthodox Church this cross is sometimes called the Cross of Saint Andrew. In the Greek Orthodox Church, it remains straight, as in some earlier representations.
Earlier representations of the Cross in Eastern Christianity however, display different characteristics. The earliest examples of crosses with a slanted lower bar may be found in places such as Jerusalem, Constantinople and the Balkans, but the bar is slanted the other way. This suggests that the earliest message of the slanted footrest was one of ascent and salvation through the Passion of the Life-Giving Cross, rather than a message of condemnation.
In addition, the top bar in early representations, rarely displayed the letters INRI, which are seen in Eastern crosses in the last few centuries. The writing is instead 'The King of Glory'.
In Russia, the top crossbeam can be absent, however, in the Russian North it is usually attached above the vertical beam and not across it.
Another variation is a special monastic "Calvary cross"," in which the cross is situated on a calvary, usually in the form of steps. To the right is the Holy Lance, with which Jesus was wounded in his ribs, and to the left, a cane with a wine-saturated sponge. Under the Calvary, is a skull and bones, where the right bone is usually above the left one, mirroring the practice of believers folding their arms on their chest during an Orthodox communion in this fashion. Around the cross are abbreviations in Church Slavonic This type of cross is usually embroidered on a schema-monk's robe.
Between 1577–1625, the Russian Orthodox cross was between the heads of the double-headed eagle in the coat of arms of Russia. It was also drawn on military banners until the end of the 17th century.