DRAWN NOT DRAGGED What does “IHS” mean?

A Few Christian Symbols Explained

During a gathering with members of the Altar Guild, someone asked a wonderful question:
“What does that ‘IHS’ stand for that is on many things in the Church?”
I opened the question to the group and quickly heard several thoughtful answers.
One person suggested: “In His Service.”
A beautiful thought—and certainly fitting spiritually—but not quite the original meaning.

Then more questions came: What about the fish symbol?  What are the “A” and the “lightbulb thingy”?
 And what about the “P” with the “X” through it?  Excellent questions!
Many Christian symbols come from the Greek language because the New Testament was written in Greek.
Let us take a brief look at a few of the most common.

IHS
The symbol “IHS” refers to the name of Jesus.
It comes from the first three letters of Jesus’ name in Greek: Ι Η Σ Ο Υ Σ   (“Iesous”)
Over time, these Greek letters were written into the Latin alphabet as:  I H S
During the Middle Ages, Christians also connected these letters with the Latin phrase: 
Iesus Hominum Salvator  “Jesus, Saviour of Mankind”.
Others have also interpreted it devotionally as: “In His Service.”
The symbol is commonly found on vestments, church furnishings, stained glass, and sacred vessels.

The Fish Symbol
The fish symbol is called the Ichthys (or Ichthus), from the Greek word for fish:
ἰχθύς. Early Christians often used this as a discreet symbol of their faith.
Tradition says that if one Christian drew part of the fish symbol in the dust or dirt,
another believer might complete it as a quiet confession of shared faith.
The word itself became an acronym:
Iēsous — Jesus Christos — Christ Theou — of God Yios (Huios) — Son Sōtēr — Saviour
Together: “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.”

Alpha and Omega
The “A” and the “light bulb thingy” are actually the Greek letters Alpha (Α) and Omega (Ω).
Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last.
In the Revelation to St John, Christ says: “I am the Alpha and the Omega.”
In other words: Christ is the beginning and the end—the Source, Sustainer, and Fulfillment of all creation.
It is somewhat like saying: “from A to Z.”
This also echoes Old Testament language from Isaiah: “I am the first and the last.”

The “P” with the “X”
This symbol is called the Chi-Rho.
It is made from the first two letters of “Christ” in Greek:
Chi (Χ) — which looks like an “X” Rho (Ρ) — which looks like a “P”
Together they form a sacred monogram for Christ.
The symbol became especially associated with Christ’s victory over death and resurrection hope.
For this reason, it is often found:
on vestments, church banners, Eucharistic bread and ancient Christian tombs and gravestones.
Frequently the Chi-Rho appears together with Alpha and Omega, reminding us that Christ is Lord of all—from beginning to end.

Christian symbols are not magical decorations or secret codes.
They are visual reminders of the faith once delivered to the saints.
They teach, proclaim, and quietly witness to Christ.
And sometimes, all it takes is one good question at an Altar Guild meeting
to uncover centuries of Christian history and meaning!

Questions for Reflection

Have you ever noticed Christian symbols in the Church but not known their meaning?
Why do you think the early Christians used symbols to express their faith?
How can symbols, icons, and sacred art help teach the faith?
Which of these symbols speaks most strongly to you, and why?
What are some ways Christians today quietly witness to Christ in everyday life?

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
Open our eyes to see Your presence in the signs and symbols of the Church,
and deepen our understanding of the faith handed down through the generations.
Teach us not only to recognize these sacred symbols outwardly,
but to live the reality they proclaim inwardly.
May our lives bear witness to You with faith, hope, and love;
for You are our Saviour and our peace,
together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Ray Dobson (C) 2026