What is the proper way of doing the Sign of the Cross?

Question

Some say from the left shoulder to the right

others say from the right to the left...

which one is right?

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Answer 1

I believe tradition dictates that Roman Catholics make the sign of the cross top to bottom, then from left to right shoulder. I'm not certain how they hold their hand when doing so. (3x)? I'm not sure. (And I've seen many then kiss their hand or fingers, then go up again.)

And tradition also dictates that Eastern Orthodox Christians make the sign of the cross top to bottom, then from right to left with the thumb, index finger & middle finger together (I assume this is to symbolize the Trinity) from right to left. Many times, depending on the person or parish, this will be a whole body movement, especially top to *bottom*, bottom being the floor.

I don't know if there's a connection for the Eastern Orthodox with their cross (with an extra little cross at top to indicate the sign which read "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews" & one at the bottom which is tilted up towards the left, down on right, which, I was told by an Orthodox priest, symbolized the two robbers who died on either side of Christ, one of whom was saved by his faith & the other who was condemned). This is of course speculation, but perhaps their "right to left" symbolized that we were once condemned like the robber on the right, but then saved like the robber on the left.

I'm Lutheran, so I don't think it matters one way or another, but I prefer the Eastern Orthodox way. I usually cross only at Communion, top to bottom to signify & remember that it was God who did the work of salvation for me (loved me first) & then right to left to remind myself that that relationship enables me to be in communion with my brothers & sisters in Christ & love my neighbor.

At any rate, neither way is dictated by Scripture, so neither is right or wrong per se. It would be what Lutherans call adiaphora. Unfortunately for us, that means we don't do it much at all.

Answer 2

There are distinctive techniques of coming up the sign of the go, they frequently variety between Christian denominations. earlier the super Schism of 1054 the sign of the go develop into gestured with the help of before everything making a triangular shape with the information of the thumb, middle finger and index finger (this symbolized the Holy Trinity). Then a action develop into made, first to the brow then to the perfect shoulder, the left shoulder and finally the tummy. this methodology continues to be utilized with the help of the Orthodox Church. The Catholic church even nevertheless replaced the action after the Schism to replica the way the Pope blessed human beings. an illustration of the go is often made with a hand sign (frequently interior the Orthodox Church). for example, elevating your hand and having 2 or 3 palms outstretched symbolizes the Trinity and how of crossing. a number of those gestures are in lots of cases used between Slavonic countries as nationalistic salutes.

Answer 3

For the catholics, with your right hand, you touch the left, then right shoulder.

Interesting trivia: The reason that Christ was crucified and not stoned, was because the sign of the cross is much easier to make than repeatedly punching yourself about the head and torso.

Answer 4

The most proper way to make the sign of the cross is to fall down on you knees before the cross and worship Him. Repent of your sins and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He will if you truly repent, be baptised in water, then ask Him to fill you. Any other is just a man= made rule which we don't have to keep. =

Answer 5

In the Eastern Orthodox Churches it is done with the index finger and middle finger and thumb touching and the other two down. And then from right to left. In the Western church (RC, Anglican, etc) it is done with the whole hand or as above, and left to right.

Answer 6

Depends on where you live. In most of the world it's left to right, in Russia, right to left.

True.

Answer 7

it is from top of your head that chest left than right

Answer 8

The one described in the bible. exactly the same the disciples did.

Answer 9

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Answer 10

Propriety isn't important... it's a dieing practice anyhow.

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