IXOYE

 
There was a time when early roman Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. Fellowships moved underground and met in secret to avoid imprisonment and death. They used markers to located safe houses and fellow believers, such as the icthus symbol or “Jesus Fish.” In keeping with the faith and courage of these people, we adopt this tradition for fellowship and discussion of all things under Christ.

The Icthus symbol has deep meaning as it was used by the early Church. In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the word “Icthus” means “fish.” In time, an acronym formed from the Greek letters that spell Icthus. This acronym is outlined below. There is much to consider from using a “fish” to symbolize Christ and our beliefs. To be “born” in, or from, the water is akin to the act of baptism and our need to be “reborn” as Christians. This symbol also serves as a way to “feed” our faith in being able to identify other Christians, just as Jesus fed the 5,000.

English: Greek = Stands For
I…………... I ………...Greek word “Iesous” which means “Jesus”
CH……….. X ………..Greek word “Christos” which means “Christ”
TH……….. O ………..Greek word “Theos” which means “God”
U…………. Y ………..Greek word “Uios” which means “Son”
S…………. E ………..Greek word “Soter” which means “Savior”