He Who descended to earth, as He alone knew how,
Rising up from it (again as He knew how),
He took the ones whom He loved, and gathering them together,
He led them to a high mountain
In order that, when they had their minds and sensibilities on the height,
They might forget all lowly things.
And so, when they were led up to the Mount of Olives,
They formed a circle around the Benefactor,
As Luke, one of the initiates, narrates in full.
The Lord, raising His hands like wings–
Just as the eagle covers the nest of young birds which she warms–
Spoke to the nestlings: “I have sheltered you from all evil
Since I loved you and you loved Me.
I am not separated from you;
I am with you, and no one is against you.
St. Romanos the Melodist, Kontakion on the Ascension
Locus Communis 