all independent nordic countries have adopted such flags in the modern period, and while the scandinavian cross is named for its use in the national flags of the scandinavian nations, the term is used universally by vexillologists, in reference not only to the flags of the nordic countries but to other flags with similar designs. however; the sideways cross is also known as the cross of saint philip the apostle who preached not in scandinavia but in greece, phrygia & syria instead.