In most crosses as well as crucifixes, we see the letters INRI. These letters stand for 'Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudeum'. These are Latin words and literally translate to 'Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews'. These were the words that Pontius Pilate had the soldiers write and nail at the top of the crucifix during the crucifixion. The words have come to be universally associated with the cross itself, and have a profound place in Christianity.
The words IHS comprise a monogram frequently used by the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of the letters iota, eta, and sigma, Greek letters which form the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus - Iesous. These letters also are abbreviations of the phrase Ieosous Hominum Salvator, which literally translates to 'Jesus, Savior of Man.'
The words IHS comprise a monogram frequently used by the Roman Catholic Church, consisting of the letters iota, eta, and sigma, Greek letters which form the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus - Iesous. These letters also are abbreviations of the phrase Ieosous Hominum Salvator, which literally translates to 'Jesus, Savior of Man.'