White Orthodox Cross Red Background | Jesus for the joy set before Him endured the Cross | Orthodox Christian Jean Jacketafter 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

free her from the bonds of weakness and blindness

then the creation too will be transformed into something better

the ministers of the Lord

and by considering oneself the least of all men

that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent

Thus saith the Lord

Herman of Alaska

Priest: Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross

for I have my life in myself: then would they truly have slain me

and chanting psalms

The saint’s body was thrown into a fire

- James 1:2-4