Yellow Orthodox Cross Black Background | Precious and Life-Giving Weapon of Unseen Warfare | Scourge of Demons | Orthodox Art PosterI have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2: 20 +++ Lifted up upon the Cross, O Christ, with Thyself Thou didst raise up fallen mankind and didst cast down all the power of the enemy, O Word. Wherefore, I hymn the sufferings of Thee Who suffered and hast delivered me from the passions. Tone 1, Wednesday Matins, From Ode 1

as Paul’s exhortation goes

without defilement you gave birth to God the Word

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh

and the other is that the image is of the Church

Far be it for me to glory

but this will ease the fear and trembling of death

so that neither mortality nor the vanity of the world may sweep me away this year

of whom he says

‘Why do you call Me good

"Constantly renewing yourselves

What pleasure in this life remains unmarked by sorrow

and let us put on the armour of light