“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf ” Hebrew 6:19

The anchor has always been a sign of safety, hope, and security, for its primary function is that of mooring a ship or boat. The safety of a ship in specific dangerous waters could depend entirely on its ability to throw the anchor and stabilize the ship. The early Christians combined the symbol of the anchor with that of the Cross, thus proclaiming that Christ and His saving Passion were the one true security, the one sure way to attain Heaven; in times of persecution this symbol was a powerful image to those caught up in the various reigns of terror.

It witnessed to the fact that Christ was the true anchor in the storm of life, the true security; and that His Cross, the path of suffering, would lead all eventually to the heavenly shore, beyond all pain, suffering and anguish. Hope in Christ was seen as the soul's anchor (Heb 6:19).

The whole imagery brought back to the memory and minds of the early Christians the life and experiences of the Apostles, so many of whom had lived the lives of fishermen and in light of the fact that Jesus called them to be, "Fishers of men." (St. Matthew 4.19).

The anchor, because of the great importance in navigation, was regarded in ancient times as a symbol of safety. The Christians, therefore, in adopting the anchor as a symbol of hope in future existence, merely gave a new and higher signification to a familiar emblem. It ranks among the most ancient of Christian symbols. 

In these changing times we would do well to reflect on Christ as the anchor and our one true hope.