White Orthodox Cross on Black Background | Thy Cross, O Lord, bringeth healing to those sickened by sins | Orthodox Christian Gym Duffel Bagafter the Saviours sufferings, the cross became the sign of the Son of man, that is, the cross signifies the Lord Himself, incarnate and suffering for our salvation. + St. John of Kronstadt +++ When Thou wast crucified, O Christ, tyranny perished and the power of the enemy was trampled down; for it was neither an angel nor a man, but Thou Thyself, O Lord, Who saved us. Glory be to Thee! Tone 1, Matins, First Sessional Hymn after the First Reading of

he administered the third and final level of temptations himself

“Wherefore should they say among the people

whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple

the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing

but at the things which are not seen

of what sort it is

in that Thou alone art supremely good

with no substance or abiding essence

For hear what he says

to prayer instead: how much more time would I spend in prayer

As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness

Maria was baptized Orthodox and presented the icon to the Holy Trinity Monastery in Vilnius sometime in the 14th century