Traveling icons were made at a time when journeys were long and arduous, and places of worship few and far between. Pious Christians would therefore take with them their own icons for private worship while on the road. The main theme of this handsome panel centers around the more mystical aspects of Christianity. At the top is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross by high-ranking members of the Orthodox Church, dressed in their splendid vestments. From the upper left corner clockwise is the Resurrection, the Ascension of Christ, the Dormition ('falling asleep') of the Virgin Mary, and the Virgin enthroned. These four scenes emphasize the crucial idea of life after death, of the coming kingdom of God, and salvation for all mankind. It is no wonder then that such icons as this one brought comfort to weary travelers on their earthly and spiritual journeys.