CROSS, SIGN OF THE

CROSS, SIGN OF THE -The external representation of the Cross of Christ: the mark of Christians since the earliest days of Christian history. The Orthodox Church uses the sign of the Cross for all blessings. To make the sign of the cross upon one’s person, the thumb and the first two fingers of the right hand are placed to a point, bending the remaining two fingers towards the palm. With the three fingers representing our faith in the Holy Trinity first the forehead is touched, then the chest, then the right shoulder, and then the left, saying at the same time: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” The two fingers touching the palm represent Jesus Christ Who was true God and true Man.