Black Orthodox Cross on Red Background | If anyone wishes to come after Me he take up his cross and follow Me | Orthodox Christian BackpackTruly this symbol is thought despicable, but it is so in the world's reckoning, and among men; in heaven and among the faithful it is the highest glory. + St John Chrysostom, Commentary on Galatians +++ Though Thou art exalted far above all honor, O Master, Thou didst deign to be dishonored, enduring a violent death upon the Tree, that when Thou didst die in the flesh, O Almighty, through it the race of mankind might embrace immortality and receive

and we shall not escape it

let them vanish

“Who Is and Who Was and Who Is to Come

And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written

And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you

and Vladimir Mother of God

Sometimes I think the answer to this question is that the penitent has not yet begun to see him or herself as a sinner

Only after the storm had already started did they repent

let us perceive the fate of the fallen demons due to their arrogance who not long ago were as us

- Exodus 3:14 (LXX)

I had given it

from the bands of sin