The Crucifixion of Christ with Attendant Figures. The Holy Trinity. The Archangel Michael. Warrior Saints. The Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God. Orthodox Cross

The front of the cross depicts the Crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ with the saints attending Him. On the left are the Most Holy Mother of God and St Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles; on the right the apostle John the Theologian and the martyr Longinus the Centurion. On either side of the Crucifixion are icons of the chief apostles Peter and Paul. Above is the image of the Holy Trinity, the appearance of the Triune God to the forefather Abraham. Below is the icon of "The Miracle of St George and the Dragon", an image symbolising the victory of good over evil. At the centre of the reverse is the icon of the Archangel Michael. The mighty Archangel leads the Heavenly Host in its stand against the powers of darkness. The heavenly army comprises the Guardian Angels of mankind and the saints, who help people to defend themselves against their enemies and to wage spiritual warfare. Beside the Archangel are depicted the celebrated heavenly warriors, defenders of mankind. To the Archangel's left is the holy righteous prince Alexander Nevsky, to his right the martyr Leonidas, and below the dragon-slaying saints Theodore Tiron, Theodore Stratelates and Demetrius of Thessaloniki. The reverse of the cross is crowned by the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God.