Sign of the Cross

[Athanasios Walter]

I think I have heard sometime ago that the whole doctrine of Orthodoxy is summed up in the sign of the Cross. For example how we put our fingers together, how we cross ourselves all have a meaning. Is this a good assessment?

[Antonios]

I think I have heard sometime ago that the whole doctrine of Orthodoxy is summed up in the sign of the Cross. For example how we put our fingers together, how we cross ourselves all have a meaning. Is this a good assessment?

Hi walterquez,

I don't know if the 'whole doctrine of Orthodoxy', as you mentioned, is summed up in how we cross ourselves, but it does have extremely significant meaning, if done with complete faith and in true repentence.

Can you or anybody else explain what it means to cross ourselves?

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Hi walterquez,

I don't know if the 'whole doctrine of Orthodoxy', as you mentioned, is summed up in how we cross ourselves, but it does have extremely significant meaning, if done with complete faith and in true repentence.

Can you or anybody else explain what it means to cross ourselves?

It means to dedicate our whole life, body & soul, to Christ.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Matthew Panchisin]

Dear Antonios,

During the Liturgy we often make the sign of the cross, we also sing, "We who mystically represent the Cherubim. Orthodox Churches are designed with the foundation in the shape of the cross. The right hand of man symbolizes action.

We read in the Psalms, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face."

So reading the Psalms in the Church, going to confession God's justice is merciful no matter what the penance. Our Priest places the Epitrachelion over our heads and makes the sign of the cross.

Here is the definition of an Epitrachelion:

This garment worn around the neck, usually consists of two narrow strips sewn or buttoned together in the front. It is richly embroidered with crosses at set distances. This vestment symbolizes the grace of the Holy Spirit that flows down abundantly upon the officiating clergy. Adorning the Epitrachelion are two set of tassels; the set on top represents the souls of the living which the priest is responsible for and the set on the bottom represents the souls of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord. The following prayer is recited when this vestment is put on: "Blessed is God who pours out His grace upon His priests, as myrrh upon the head that ran down the beard of Aaron, which ran down to the helm of his garment." (Psalm 133:2)

We can see that the sign of the Cross is mercy and truth.

http://www.oca.org/Images/QA/framedpics/confession.jpg

We can also see many crosses in the Church, symbolically and particularly in the actions of those that serve the Church. Father Deacon Matthew Steenberg had mentioned in the past St Gregory's understanding of Christ as 'The Lamb crucified before the foundation of the world.' So the sign of the cross is very significant. The Church is very holy and there is much joy to be found therein, we have all recently rejoiced here hearing of Father Deacon Matthews ordination.

Here is some information about the Deacon's vestments. By the way Father Rapheal, in another thread you had inquired about the cloth placed over the boards used in iconography. Traditionally, old vestments, altar linens, liturgical cloth is used and then a pure white "gesso" adheres it to the boards.

The Deacon's Vestments

Sticharion: Long garment reaching to the floor, with long sleeves like a tunic. Sticharion means 'garment with lines' because in ancient times, it was white with darker lines running through it. This represents the baptismal robe and the spiritual cleanliness the clergy must possess when officiating in the Divine Liturgy and other church services. It signifies the white robe of the angel who announced to the Myrrh bearing women the glad tidings of the Lord's Resurrection (Mark 16:5). The clergyman recites the following prayer when he puts on the sticharion: "My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of righteousness and has covered me with a robe of gladness...." (Isaiah 61:10)

Epimanikia: These are cuffs, which are worn around the wrists of the priest. Symbolically they represent the creative power of God. The clergyman recites the following prayer when he puts the Epimankia on his right hand: Your right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength. Your right hand has crushed the enemies. In the fullness of Your glory You have shattered the adversaries." (Exodus 15: 6-7) While he places the cuff on his left hand he prays: "Your hands have made me and have fashioned me. Grant me understanding and I shall learn from Your commandments." (Psalm 119:73)

Orarion: This is a long, narrow strip of cloth, unique to the deacon, which the deacon wears on the left shoulder so that one of the ends falls in front and one in the back. When the Lord's Prayer is recited the deacon changes its shape, wearing it over both shoulders and around his waist crosswise so that both edges fall in front. The change facilitates the Deacon's movements during Communion. The Orarion is the Deacon's distinctive vestment. Holding one end of it with his right hand, he raises it slightly when he recites prayers and makes the sign of the cross. Symbolically, it represents the wings of angels, the servants of God, and thus signifies that it is the deacon's responsibility to be a servant of the Church.

[Antonios]

Thank you Father Rapheal and Matthew for the replies.

[Herman Blaydoe]

If I may dare to ad some simple thoughts. When I make the sign of the Cross I am asking the Holy Trinity to grant me Wisdom to know God (as I touch my forehead), Courage to love God (as I touch my chest), and strength to follow Christ and carry my own cross (as I touch my shoulders). Joining three fingers together represents the Trinity. The two fingers folded remind me of the two natures of Christ, fully God and fully man. It reminds me that the Cross is my protection, a sign under which sin is conquered. It reminds me that God should always be before me. And as I make the sign of the Cross, whatever actions follow it should be worthy of the Cross and what was accomplished on it.

Even as victorious armies would parade the captured emblems of the vanquished foes, the Cross, once a symbol of shame and death, is now a symbol of victory and hope.

A JW once asked me why I would wear a cross. She thought it was like wearing the knife that had killed your father around your neck. I told her that if my father had survived the knife attack, or had come back from the death caused by that knife, then the knife was no longer the weapon that killed him, it was the reminder that he was stronger than the knife, and yes, I would wear such a symbol with pride.

In a sense, by wearing the Cross of Christ, once an implement of torture and death, we are mocking death, saying that we do not fear it and it has no power over us. We are also reminded to carry our own crosses and remember that His victory gives us strength and hope to do so.

FWIW. Simple thoughts from a bear of little brain.

Herman the Pooh

[Paul Cowan]

If I may dare to ad some simple thoughts. When I make the sign of the Cross I am asking the Holy Trinity to grant me Wisdom to know God (as I touch my forehead), Courage to love God (as I touch my chest), and strength to follow Christ and carry my own cross (as I touch my shoulders). Joining three fingers together represents the Trinity. The two fingers folded remind me of the two natures of Christ, fully God and fully man. It reminds me that the Cross is my protection, a sign under which sin is conquered. It reminds me that God should always be before me. And as I make the sign of the Cross, whatever actions follow it should be worthy of the Cross and what was accomplished on it.


I don't mean this as a contradiction to Herman. When my priest instructed us how to sign ourselves he said to be sure to make the full sign of the cross from the forehead all the way down to the naval then shoulder to shoulder. And of course make the sign slowely and reverently and not as fast as you can. Another Fr. said this is praying with the hands. Or a hand signal to God such as mutes learn sign language.

The purpose of going all the way to the naval is to ensure you are not making an upside down cross which would illistrate the devil's false imitation of the true cross.

Humbly
paul

[Athanasios Walter]

I am not sure how other jurisdictions do it, but in the Greek, and Antiochian as far as I know, we put three fingers together signifying the Trinity. Two fingers against the palm signifying the dual nature of our Lord Jesus. And the Cross signifying what our Lord Jesus Christ did for us. I think I got most of it, or maybe not.

This is what I meant. We get at least the Trinity, Christ dual nature, and the Cross.

[Antonios]

I believe all of you have described certain dogmatic truths as referred to in crossing ourselves. Where your fingers press anatomically in each movement, I believe, should not become the main focus in this confession of believe. Setting ceratain parameters on how a Christian should cross themselves is instructful and needy, especially while in liturgical prayers with a communion of believers. However, making that the main focus is Pharisaical.

What Father Raphael said, "it means to dedicate our whole life, body & soul, to Christ", I believe sums up fairly well what the Patristic understanding is. Herman expanded on this, and explained what these doctrinal symbols of belief are.

I think, however, his weightier words are from the inner confessions of his heart which makes the entire act a prayer to God. In his steadfast and loving ebrace at the feet of Christ, and his loving affirmation to follow Him, he declares to the Heavens and earth to dedicate his whole life and body and soul to Christ.

[Nina]

I like very much what Saint Kosmas Aetolos says very simply about the sign of the Cross in his teachings (http://www.stmaryofegypt.org/kosmas/third.html)to lay people:


The Holy Cross

THE MOST GRACIOUS GOD has granted us the holy Cross with which to bless, and the holy Sacraments. With the Cross we open paradise, with the Cross we drive out the demons, but we must keep our hands free from sin. Then the devil is consumed in flames and departs. Therefore, my brethren, keep this word and the Cross with you whenever you are eating, drinking, or working. And it is a good and holy thing to always pray at dawn, in the evening, and at midnight.

The Sign of the Cross

LISTEN, MY BRETHREN, how the sign of the Cross is made and what it means. First, just as the Holy Trinity is glorified in heaven by the angels, so should you join your three fingers of your right hand. And being unable to ascend into heaven to worship, raise your hand to your head (because the head means heaven) and say: "Just as the angels glorify the Holy Trinity in heaven, so do I, as a servant, glorify and worship the Holy Trinity. And as the fingers are three and separate, and are together, so is the Holy Trinity three persons but one God." Lowering your hand to your stomach, say: "I worship you and adore you, my Lord, because you condescended and took on flesh in the womb of the Theotokos for my sins." Place [your hand] on your right shoulder and say: "I beg you, my God, to forgive me and to put me on your right with the just." Placing [your hand] again on your left shoulder, say: "I beg you, my Lord, don't put me on the left with the sinners." Then bending down to the ground [say] : "I glorify you, my God; I worship and adore you, for just as you were put into the grave, may I also be." And when you stand up straight, you reveal the resurrection and say: I glorify and worship you, my Lord, for you rose from the dead to grant us eternal life." This is what the Cross means. Let us give just one example so you can see the power of the Cross.

The Power of the Cross

THERE WAS A MAN named Julian, the reader who studied with Basil the Great and wanted to be king. So he went and found a Jewish magician and said to him: "Can you make me emperor and I will make you my chief deputy?"

The magician said: "Deny Christ and I will make you emperor.

Julian replied: "I deny him."

The magician then wrote a letter and said to Julian: "Take this paper and go to a pagan grave. Then throw it up high and demons will come. But whatever they do to you, don't be afraid. And don't make the sign of the Cross because they will leave."

Julian went to the grave and when he threw the paper, the demons came. Frightened, he made the sign of the Cross and they left.

He immediately went to the magician and told him what happened.

The magician then said to him: "Go and kill a child and bring me its heart." Then the magician called forth the demons once more, but again Julian, from fear, made the sign of the Cross. However, the demons were not frightened because he had infected himself by the murder.

The magician fulfilled his wish and Julian reigned for two years and went to hell where he burns forever. We too must be free from sin and then the devil departs.

[Bogdan]

In my Church School class I also teach the following details about how to make the sign of the cross:

When you look at your hand making the cross, it is important to understand what everything signifies.

Someone above pointed out how the three fingers together signify the trinity. The ring finger and pinkie signify the dual nature of Christ as both Man and God. Those two fingers come to the palm (earth) to provide our salvation.

The three fingers above also have a significance, which hasn't yet been discussed.

The thumb - God the Father. Strongest finger of your hand, exemplifying his strength in the trinity.

Pointer finger - God the Son. One path to heaven is through Jesus Christ.

Middle Finger - God the Spirit. Middle finger is the longest finger, the farthest reach on your hand. The holy spirit reaches everywhere and everyone.

Bring them together, above the palm (earth) and you have brought together the trinity :)

[Andreas Moran]

Lydia has told me that during Soviet times in Russia, people could destroy icons and nothing happened to them but those who destroyed crosses suffered. Russians make much use of the prayer, 'Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered . . . ' to protect from evil and expel evil. Thus we can see it being used in the film, 'Ostrov'.

[Anthony]

Dear Andreas,

I would like to hear more about that. How exactly is it used?

Anthony

[John Uebersax]

I think I have heard sometime ago that the whole doctrine of Orthodoxy is summed up in the sign of the Cross. For example how we put our fingers together, how we cross ourselves all have a meaning. Is this a good assessment?

When you sign yourself, you remind yourself of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

To do so well requires that you mentally address all three, orienting yourself to each, and, in a sense, performing a brief 'contemplation' concerning each.

Just as you would enter a room with three others and greet them in turn, making eye contact.

Therefore, to make the sign of the cross in a routine mechanical way contains no doctrine; but if done thoughtfully it has much value, and could, at the least be understood to contain the doctrine of the Trinity.

[Andreas Moran]

Dear Anthony,

If you or anyone else can tell me how to fix a word document as an attachment to messages like this, I will post the text of the prayer and I will say something about its use by Russians.

In Christ,

Andreas.

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Dear Anthony,

If you or anyone else can tell me how to fix a word document as an attachment to messages like this, I will post the text of the prayer and I will say something about its use by Russians.

In Christ,

Andreas.

I just attempted to upload a Word document from my PC. Everything appeared to proceed in the proper order as far as the Forum software is concerned. But as is apparent the attachment or document didn't appear on the Forum.

I don't know why not.

In Christ- Fr Raphael
PS; I've tried thru the advanced option and this didn't work either.

[Nina]

Lydia has told me that during Soviet times in Russia, people could destroy icons and nothing happened to them but those who destroyed crosses suffered.

In other ex-communist cases I have heard that people who destroyed churches, icons, crosses, and even church bells, or property suffered, or died soon after the sacrilegious act. These stories were told to me by people who witnessed, but did not participate.



Russians make much use of the prayer, 'Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered . . . ' to protect from evil and expel evil. Thus we can see it being used in the film, 'Ostrov'.Yes, we do too. Along with 'Soson Kyrie...' (O God save Your people...)

I was trying to upload a Word-doc. which was very short - only these words: "Hello friend."
However I received this message:
"Your file of 23.5 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 19.5 KB for this filetype."

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

The reason "Let God arise let His enemies be vanquished" is so embedded in Russian consciousness is probably due to the fact that it comes towards the end of the Russian version of the Evening Prayers. After most of the other prayers have been said the person crosses his/her bed while saying the above prayer.

There are may examples of this in modern Russian culture where Church phrases have come down even among non-believers but often in a garbled fashion.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Nina]

The reason "Let God arise let His enemies be vanquished" is so embedded in Russian consciousness is probably due to the fact that it comes towards the end of the Russian version of the Evening Prayers. After most of the other prayers have been said the person crosses his/her bed while saying the above prayer.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

We use often 'Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered...', and especially during moments of temptations, since the word 'enemies' in that prayer refers to demons. And before sleep also for keeping away evil.

[Andreas Moran]

The Prayer to the Venerable Cross can be found on this site: go to Main - go to Links Catalogue - go to Liturgical Services and Prayers - go to Prayers & Hymns - go to Jordanville Prayer Book (http://www.myriobiblos.gr/texts/english/prayerbook/main.htm) - go to Prayers before Sleep - go to Prayer to the Venerable Cross.

Lydia uses it regularly (in Church Slavonic) when any problem or temptation arises as protection from evil. I see on a RC site that the prayers of exorcism, which the site says are not to be said by a layman, include the Psalm from which this prayer is taken and is used in exorcisms - in Latin: 'Exsurgat Deus, et dissipentur inimici ejus . . . '

[Anthony]

That is an interesting comparison. I have sometimes seen RC laymen making a sign of the cross in the air in front of them as if to ward off evil, and was wondering if there was anything similar in our tradition.

Thank you for the link. My computer has unfortunately been a Microsoft-free zone for the past ten years, but I will look it up in an internet cafe.

[Anthony]

I was trying to upload a Word-doc. which was very short - only these words: "Hello friend."
However I received this message:
"Your file of 23.5 KB bytes exceeds the forum's limit of 19.5 KB for this filetype."

Easier to get into the mines of Moria :)

[Andreas Moran]

There is a striking image of Christ defeating a devil from the St Alban's Psalter at Aberdeen University which illustrates the Psalm, 'Let God arise'. It can be found at this site

www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/translation/trans198.shtml

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

There is a striking image of Christ defeating a devil from the St Alban's Psalter at Aberdeen University which illustrates the Psalm, 'Let God arise'. It can be found at this site

www.abdn.ac.uk/stalbanspsalter/english/translation/trans198.shtml

Very beautiful. I looked through some of the other pages. I see that for June they have the 24th, the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist as the date of the "Roman solstice". Maybe this is why in Quebec they used to have bonfires on this day, and not the 21st.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Bogdan]

That is an interesting comparison. I have sometimes seen RC laymen making a sign of the cross in the air in front of them as if to ward off evil, and was wondering if there was anything similar in our tradition.



I have seen many Orthodox make the sign of the cross in front of their mouths as they yawn to ward off evil spirits entering.

[M.C. Steenberg]

I have seen many Orthodox make the sign of the cross in front of their mouths as they yawn to ward off evil spirits entering.

Might be keeping them in.... :)

INXC, Dcn Matthew

[Bogdan]

Might be keeping them in.... :)

INXC, Dcn Matthew

Even so, they are at least helping the rest of us out by keeping those demons to themselves :) martyr's all of them i say!

[Andreas Moran]

A friend of mine told me this story yesterday. In the RC Church, a certain priest was trying to persuade a young man to turn to Christ and come to church. The young man obstinately refused. Eventually, the priest said to the young man, 'right! Go to the Crucifix of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and say, 'I know what You did for me and I don't care a damn''. The young man approached the Crucifix and said, 'I know what You did for me' - there was silence for a few seconds, and then the young man sobbed and cried, 'O Lord, save me!'. The young man became a bishop.

[Olga]

A friend of mine told me this story yesterday. In the RC Church, a certain priest was trying to persuade a young man to turn to Christ and come to church. The young man obstinately refused. Eventually, the priest said to the young man, 'right! Go to the Crucifix of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and say, 'I know what You did for me and I don't care a damn''. The young man approached the Crucifix and said, 'I know what You did for me' - there was silence for a few seconds, and then the young man sobbed and cried, 'O Lord, save me!'. The young man became a bishop.

Ooooh, good one, Andreas! The simplest approach is often the best!