The Annunciation of Ustyug | Orthodox Christian Canvas IconThe Annunciation of Ustyug (Russian: ) is among the oldest of Russian icons still extant, dating to the 12th century. It is among the few icons to have survived the Mongol invasion of Rus' since the city where it was made, Novgorod, was spared destruction (the only other city thus spared was Pskov). The icon is of sufficient importance to have had its history detailed in multiple 16th and 17th century sources, including the Second Chronicle of

on one side the entire universe has turned its back on me

God does not create a cross for man

the Mother of God

The prefix apo [of the Greek word apolystrosis

The Cross is the Might of Kings

Strange as it may seem

the ministers of the Lord

Does our conscience reassure us

called the Gate of Dawn

is Himself the Creator of all things

the cankerworm

serving the Lord through obedience to the faith