The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail | Cross with Wreath & Crown of Thorns | Skulls and Rays | Orthodox Christian Hardcover JournalAngels from Heaven invisibly circle the life bringing Cross in fear, and seeing it now brilliantly shedding light bestowing grace upon the faithful, amazed they stand and cry to you such words as these: Rejoice, O Cross, guardian of the world; Rejoice, the glory of the Church; Rejoice, you that bountifully gush forth with healings; Rejoice, you that enlighten the ends of the earth; Rejoice, Wood fragrant with life, and treasury of wonders; Rejoice,

’ do not believe it

and the Mother of our God

and rejoice in your sufferings

and with great piety and fear ought we to proceed to the doing of the great work which God has entrusted to us: to train ourselves in prayer by using the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

most precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord

Let us stand with fear

that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them

in which case I pray that my use of his artwork may constitute a prayer for his salvation when the Son of David returns at the end of all ages

So then let us not sleep

principalities and powers and angels

Hearing the strange message that the Lord was gone from the tomb

/ and who art illumined by the divine glory:/ Protect me under the shelter of thy wings