The word “encolpion” comes from a Greek word (enkolpion) that literally means ” on the bosom,” and applies to an object worn around the neck. It is used here to describe a bronze cross engraved on one of its faces with an image of St. George, according to the Greek inscription (O HAGIOC GEOPGIOC) at the top of its upper arm. This manner of wearing an object was adopted by the Christians as of the fourth century and continued to be common practice in the entire empire throughout the Byzantine era. An encolpion may be any type of object, including eulogiae [313 and 314) and amulets, as long as it is worn around the neck and bears a religious image or an inscription. An encolpion can also be a small box containing a sacred relic and hung about the neck. It was believed that an encolpion protected its wearer.