Simple Black Orthodox TriBar Cross | Crucify My Ego to the Precious and Life Giving Cross | Minimalist Christian Distressed Embroidered Cap

...after the Saviour’s 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

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Thou wast lifted up like a lamb upon the Cross, and didst lay low the uprisings of the deceiver; and when Thou wast slaughtered Thou didst sanctify the whole earth with Thy blood. Pierced by the spear, Thou didst command the flaming sword to turn away from me, that I might dwell in paradise and partake without fear of the tree of life. Wherefore, saved by Thy sufferings, I cry out, rejoicing: Glory be to Thy divine Cross, whereby we have been delivered from the ancient curse and receive from the Tree blessing and great mercy!

Desiring to bring an end to the pain and afflictions of all, О supremely good Lord my Savior, Thou didst endure vile crucifixion; Thou didst taste of gall, О Innocent One, removing the bitter taste of evil; and wounded, О Word, by the thrust of the spear, Thou healest our wounds, in that Thou art Master. Wherefore, we hymn Thy glorious will, and bowing down, we honor the spear, the sponge and the reed, whereby Thou hast imparted to Thy world peace and great mercy.

“How did the iniquitous multitude of the Jews condemn Thee to be crucified on the Cross, О Jesus, taking no pity on Thee, the Compassionate One?”, exclaimed the Virgin, weeping, when she beheld lifted up upon the Cross Him Who was born from her womb without suffering; “and what hath the iniquitous council done to Thee, О my Child most desired, my most beloved Son? Haste Thou, and save those who glorify Thy crucifixion with faith, and those who magnify me, as Thou didst promise, in that Thou alone art supremely good!”

- Tone 5, Tuesday Vespers, Lord I Have Cried