The Crucifixion of Christ with Attendant Figures. The Holy Face of Christ. The Apostle Peter. The "Sign" Icon of the Mother of God with the Prophets. Orthodox Cross

The front of the cross depicts the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ with the saints attending Him who, according to tradition, stood by the Lord's Cross at the time of His execution.

On the left are the Most Holy Mother of God and the myrrh-bearing women: St Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles, and St Mary of Clopas. On the right are the apostle John the Theologian, the righteous Joseph of Arimathea and the martyr Longinus the Centurion.

Above the Crucifixion is the miraculously revealed image of the Saviour, imprinted by Him upon a cloth — the Holy Face, the Image Not Made by Hands. Below is the icon of the chief apostle Peter.

The centre of the reverse is adorned by the "Sign" Icon of the Mother of God. Around Her image is the prayer: "Now do I flee to Thee, O most holy Virgin; save me by Thy supplications."

The "Sign" icon was painted after the prophecy of Isaiah, who foretold that the Lord Jesus Christ would be born of a Virgin. For this reason the image is often shown surrounded by prophets. At the foot of the cross is the icon of the prophet Elijah; above it Moses; on the left King David, the psalmist; on the right King Solomon, author of the book of Ecclesiastes; and at the top the last prophet venerated in Christianity, John the Baptist, Forerunner of the Lord.