White Orthodox Cross | May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ | Galatians 6:14 | Orthodox Hardcover Journalafter 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

Doré is either already in the bosom of Abraham

Surpassing the heavenly intelligences in spirit

+ St Gregory the Great

and if we die

Glorify me

For then it does not proceed from the soul

He is the End of all things because He is the center toward which all created beings tend

The vision is typically taken as symbolic of both the Virgin Mary

but the Holy Fathers recognize it as the beginning of all evil

I have fought the good fight

whose terror scares away the foul throngs

there is My servant also