We make the sign of the Cross a public profession of our Orthodox Christian faith. The first two fingers and thumb of the right hand come together symbolizing the Holy Trinity. The two remaining fingers symbolize the Humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Therefore, in our right hand, we hold the two major doctrines of our Christian Orthodox Church each time we make the sign of the Cross.
We make the sign of the Cross before we eat, sleep, drive, pass by, enter or leave the church, travel or begin any major endeavour, acknowledging our desire to include God in these activities. In church, make the sign of the Cross:
- When you venerate the icons.
- When you light a candle.
- If you are an Altar Boy when you enter the Holy Altar and when you pass behind the Altar 4. When you hear “Father, Son and Holy Spirit,” “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us,” “the Theotokos,” and “Peace be to all”.
- At the end of the Gospel reading.
- During the Creed when we say Articles 8 and 9: “And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life…” and “In one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church”.
- Before and after receiving Holy Communion.
