Depiction of the Monastic Struggle

Depiction of the Monastic Struggle Orthodox Icon
Here we see the monastic bravely enduring his own crucifixion to the passions. The monastic, arms stretched out on the Cross, hold flames in each hand representing his prayers for the world. He is surrounded by demons, hardships, temptations and themes common to human life. The imagery used here is tied to St. Paul's text in Galatians, "Far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”