“You have released us, O Lord, from the fear of death. You have made the end of life here on earth a beginning of true life for us. ... You redeemed us from the curse and from sin, having become both on our behalf. You have crushed the heads of the serpent who had seized man in his jaws because of the abyss of our disobedience. You have opened up for us a path to the resurrection, having broken down the gates of hell and reduced to impotence the one who had power over deaths. You have given to those who fear You a visible token, the sign of the holy cross, for the destruction of the adversary and for the protection of our life.” — St. Macrina the Younger