What does the IHS mean in Catholic churches? You may notice the letters IHS on the cross, crucifix, stained glass window, tabernacle, altar, etc. within Catholic churches. What does IHS stand for? The IHS monogram is a shortened form of the Greek word for Jesus: ΙΗΣΟΥΣ. (Σ or "sigma" = "S") It is sometimes called the Christogram as the first three letters of Jesus' name. This symbol grew in popularity during the Middle Ages when devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus was on the rise. St. Ignatius of

What Does the Chi Rho Symbol Mean? One of the most common Christian symbols in Catholic churches and artwork is the monogram Chi Rho (XP). Chi (χ)and Rho (ρ) are the first two letters of Christ in Greek (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ). Therefore, the Chi Rho symbol means Christ. Also, combining the two letters into one gives the symbol a shape similar to the cross. The popularity of Chi Rho Christogram symbol can be traced back to the conversion of the Emperor Constantine. In AD 312 Constantine witnessed a vision of