The Crucifixion. The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God with Attendant Saints. Orthodox Cross

This large baptismal cross, shaped like an anchor (the most ancient form of the cross, a symbol of hope and salvation), is adorned with icons of Christ, the Mother of God and saints renowned for their struggle against unclean powers, sorcerers, unbelievers and every kind of evil.

On the front, beside the Crucified Saviour, stand the holy martyrs Cyprian and Justina. The Lord granted these saints the grace to help people in their struggle against the devil.

Beside the outstretched arms of the Crucified Christ stand the holy archangels Michael (on the left) and Uriel, who are given power to help people in the struggle against the spirits of malice. They strengthen holy faith within us and enlighten the mind with the light of the Gospel. The Archangel Michael, commander of the angelic host, is depicted with a sword in his hand; it was he who cast down from Heaven the Morning Star who rose against God. The archangel Uriel holds fire in his hand. He bears the light of God into the world and has dominion over the luminaries of heaven.

Above the Crucifixion is the Holy Face of Christ.

At the foot of the cross is the most famous of the dragon-slaying warriors, the Great Martyr George the Victorious. Another dragon-slaying warrior is depicted on the reverse.

This is the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates. Armed with sword and prayer, he overcame the serpent that devoured people and livestock around his native city of Euchaita. The Great Martyr Theodore is shown with raised sword to the right of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

The Kazan icon is the central image of the reverse. To its left is the Great Martyr Nikita, called "the demon-driver"; above is the defender, the holy prince Alexander Nevsky. The lower part of the cross is occupied by icons of his holy forebears, the passion-bearing princes Boris and Gleb.