ICXC NIKA Orthodox Cross | Yellow & Red Modern & Medieval Textured Floral Design | Orthodox Christian Black MugThe 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

on how best to prepare the soul for what happens after the death of the body

“They have taken my Lord

your faith is vain

seals the lips of those who made slanderous charges

for whoever enters or departs

be vigilant (γρηγορήσατε meaning stay awake)

Through a confession of the Oneness

Then he said to me

one must first strive to calm the thoughts

full of sloth

No one is in possession of perfect peace if he lacks any of the virtues

) a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment)