Black Orthodox Cross | I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified | 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 the sun beheld Thee willingly suspended in the flesh upon the tree of the Cross, in the tender compassion of Thy mercy, O Word, it was unable to bear the blasphemy and hid its rays. Enlighten my darkened soul with Thine unapproachable light, and save me, I

It is no longer I who live

- 1 Corinthians 15:20-26(Translation: Lexham English Bible)

for Thou lovest mankind

nor children their parents

while Magi journey with a star

had not seen them

and you will have treasure in heaven

as a faithful minister of God’s providence

however good they may be

and will drive him into a land barren and desolate

Through the Theotokos have mercy on us

it’s how St Paul quotes this Psalm in Romans 10:18)