St. John of Damascus Icono-Graphic | Orthodox Christian Saint | Red Gold & Black High Contrast Design | Christian Jean JacketStichera for the Dead by St. John of Damascus Tone 1 What pleasure in this life remains unmarked by sorrow? What glory can endure upon this earth unchanged? All is feebler than a shadow, more deceptive than a dream; for death in a single moment takes all things away. But in the light of Thy countenance, O Christ, and in the joy of Thy beauty, give rest to those whom Thou hast chosen, for Thou lovest mankind. Tone 2 As a flower withers and a dream

and the Elder retreated him to return to his cell

If the soul has Christ with it

And one cried unto another

for Christ’s sake

And only when you have seen your imperfection

Depth hard to discern even for the eyes of angels

when he saw a gigantic devil standing in front of the ikon

- Psalm 17:15 (MT)

the saint saw Satan lurking in a corner

O pitiful soul

- Stichera for the Dead

all alone with an enemy stronger than myself