IC XC NIKA Orthodox Cross | Yellow & Red Modern & Medieval Floral Design | Orthodox Christian Lightweight Cotton Unisex T-ShirtThe Church has never tried to give a rational definition of the mystery of the Cross. Biblical terms are the most adequate. Ethical and juridical views are only colorless anthropomorphisms. This also applies to the idea of sacrifice. The sacrifice of Christ cannot only be perceived as a sacrifice or victim, since then the necessity of death would be inexplicable. The whole life of the incarnated was an uninterrupted sacrifice. Why would this life not

+ St Cyril of Alexandria

it has as though blinded them

It is heaven on earth

the emulation of Christ

all life having been taken away from him: wherefore

I make all things new

Seeing Me in the tomb

and the other is that the image is of the Church

‘Good Teacher

the treasure is the preaching and knowledge of Christ

During his wandering he too receives manna

It is among the few icons to have survived the Mongol invasion of Rus' since the city where it was made