The Royal Way of the Cross of Our Lord Leading to Eternal Life

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

   
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