Black Orthodox Cross on White Background | The Cross is the Scourge of Demons | Orthodox Christian BackpackTruly this symbol is thought despicable, but it is so in the world's reckoning, and among men; in heaven and among the faithful it is the highest glory. + St John Chrysostom, Commentary on Galatians +++ Though Thou art exalted far above all honor, O Master, Thou didst deign to be dishonored, enduring a violent death upon the Tree, that when Thou didst die in the flesh, O Almighty, through it the race of mankind might embrace immortality and receive

like men you shall die

in the grave whither thou goest

keeping us in the secret desert of Thy salvation

I make all things new

`I boast not

- Psalm 148:1-4

Avoid making idols either of things or of practices

When they beheld the angel seated on the stone

his heart heard God's answer

in the form of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity

but the branches

- Deuteronomy 10:14