| Translated from the Russian original, published in 1877 by Optina Monastery by Vera Kencis
“Archbishop John Maximovitch of Chernigov originally published the book The Holy Path of the Lord’s Cross in a part-Slavonic, part-Ukrainian dialect in 1709. The edifying nature of the book led it to be well known throughout Russia and many copies were produced[...]. Archbishop John was a firmly Orthodox and truly spiritual man, as his saintly life-style, his blessed end, and the many blessed signs (produced) by his prayers affirm. Confirmation of his sanctity occurred in 1826, 111 years after his repose, when during repairs of the Tobolsk cathedral where he was buried, the archbishop’s body was discovered uncorrupted and emitting a fragrant odor.”
—“Introduction”
CONTENTS
Introduction
Part One
Entry to the Way of the Cross
The Cross as the True Path to Heave, which All Should Travel
Jesus Christ Endured the Cross in All its Forms
One Should Carry the Cross as Did the Blessed Virgin Mary
Why is the Cross Necessary to the Christian?
The Lord Bestows the Cross According to Each Person’s Strength
The Words of Jesus—If Any Man Will Come After Me—Mean That One Should Not Have a Weak, but a Strong Attitude toward the Bearing of the Cross
Those Who Seek Earthly Blessings Are Deserting the Cross
Those Who Love Honour Do Not Love God
The Sinners Have Their Own, Much Heavier Cross
Self-denial Is the Best Preparation for the Cross
Part Two
The Cross must Be Taken Up Without Delay
On the Way of the Cross One Should Not Charge Ahead, but Should Follow Christ
The Cross Should Be Carried in the Image of the Lord Jesus Christ
One Should Not Be Sad that the Cross Seems to Be Very Large or Heavy
The Cross Should Never Be Postponed but Be Carried Every Day
He Who Carries the Cross Should Not Give Himself Airs and Delight in the Praise of People
One Should Pray While Under the Cross
One Should Give Thanks for the Cross
One Should Give More Thanks in Misfortune than in Good Times, and Not Only to God, but Also to the One Who Bestows the Grief
One Should Glory in the Cross
On the Crucifixion of the World
On the Crucifixion with Christ
Part Three
The Cross Saves from Downfall and Overcomes Temptations
The Cross Opens the Eyes and the Mind
The Cross is the Anchor of Hope, the Sign of Salvation
The Cross Grants Spiritual Refreshment
A Crown is Promised to Those Who Bear the Cross
What Shall Receive a Greater Crown: The Cross and Suffering or Good Deeds?
The Cross Unites One with Christ and Makes the Bearer of the Cross Like Him
The Cross is a Dependable Protection for Those Sailing on the Sea of Life in the Ship of the Church
The Cross Raises the Believers to the Mountainous Jerusalem
The Cross Opens the Gates of the Heavenly Kingdom
Appendix
The Inevitability of Suffering
Item Number: BKMP713
Publication data: Wildwood, AB: Monastery Press, 2002
Format: softcover
Number of pages: 234
Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.2 cm × 13.5 cm × 1.4 cm
Additional information: black-and-white illustrations
ISBN: 0‒9686348‒3‒4
$16.95 (USD)
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