The King of Glory

This icon "Extreme Humility" serves during the Holy Week of the Orthodox Church, specifically Holy Friday ceremonies. It shows Christ - the King of Glory, who is crowned as such because of His ultimate humility and total submission and trust to His Father. The rule of the King is His servitude to Humanity. He fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah as the Suffering servant, that "by His stripes we shall be healed."

          What is true humility that does not lead to pride in our own efforts? Just look at the icon and see the true example of Humility. It is about forgetting ourselves for the sake of others out of love to the point of death on the Cross, as a sacrifice for the healing of humanity and victory over death. The Cross becomes a symbol of Triumph of Love over Death, rather than a tool for crushing criminals as in ancient times. In my interpretation, the Cross becomes a Tree of Life and a Burning Bush, as the Church Fathers also teach.