How to Cross Yourself (Russian Orthodox)

Simple instructions for performing this important gesture

Last Updated: May 26, 2022

The Orthodox cross is an easy gesture that is most commonly repeated three times while saying: "God bless and protect" each time. Every Orthodox Christian should know how to do this without a second thought.

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Touch the middle and index fingers to the thumb, so that the tips of all three are connected. Curl in the pinky and ring finger, as if they were in a fist.
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While doing this, say "God bless and protect" or "Господи спаси и сохрани" ("Gospodi spasi e sohrani") if you speak Russian

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Why do Protestants feel they have a right to correct Orthodox Christians?

Community Answer

No one has the moral right to correct another persons beliefs. Perhaps you are spending time with the wrong Protestants.

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Why do I cross myself twice and not three times?

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This is tradition, and does not appear in the Bible as a way to address the Lord. We are told to pray in private and call on our father.

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Do you sound out words while making the sign of cross?

jonas ilver

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In the Eastern Orthodox churches, you touch your pinched fingers to your forehead, saying "In the name of the Father," then to your belly button, saying" and the Son, " then to your right and left shoulders, saying "and the Holy Spirit. Amen."

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Warnings

It is extremely impolite to use this gesture in a mocking sense.

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How to Cross Yourself (Russian Orthodox)

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