Catholic.com explains the action as, The sign of the cross was made simply with the fingers (the index or the thumb) on the forehead or lips or breast (as Latin-rite Catholics do at the beginning of the Gospel lesson) or with the whole hand over the torso. The sign of the cross reflects biblical reality. It is often accompanied by a prayer, either aloud or in one’s own mind and heart. Sign of the cross, a gesture of ancient Christian origin by which people bless themselves, others, or objects. This rejection fails to recognize that the sign of the cross is an ancient and scriptural help to Christians. The Sign of the Cross is a simple gesture yet a profound expression of faith for both Catholic and Orthodox Christians. We do as the priest does and the East reflects the way the priest crosses himself. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. The Sign of the Cross in Consecrations and Sacramental Blessings Why the Sign of the Cross Is Made on the Forehead The Testimony of the Prophet Ezekiel A Reproof to the Antichrist A Defense against Demons The Power of the Sign of the Cross St. Francis de Sales Technically, the sign of the cross is a sacramental, a sacred sign instituted by the Church which prepares a person to receive grace and which sanctifies a moment or circumstance. We start from forehead to waist, but the West crosses themselves from left shoulder to right shoulder, and the East goes from right to left. Many place the symbol of the cross upon their Bibles, pulpits, steeples, and car bumpers. When NOT to make the sign of the cross. The sign of the cross finds its roots in the earliest centuries of the Church and is used today by millions of Christians worldwide. "the sign of the cross" is one of cecil b. demile's epic flicks, introducing the story of the prosecutions on christianity in the ancient empire rome. Yet most Protestants reject the idea of placing the sign of the cross upon themselves. The sign of the cross is a prayer in itself. But it is all too easy to make this sign in a routine and superficial way at the beginning and end of a prayer, failing to recognize its true significance. Narrator: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words: [On-screen graphic] An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. The Sign of the Cross varies in different countries, explained Fr. But what exactly are we doing when we make the Sign … As Catholics, it’s something we do when we enter a church, after we receive Communion, before meals, and every time we pray. St. Cyprian explained the ritual in the 3rd century by reference to Christ’s redemptive death on the cross.The sign of the cross is used throughout Christian liturgies, in moments of need or danger, at the beginning and end of prayer, and on numerous other occasions. The sign of the cross is a marker of belief in the Triune God. The sign of the cross is a beautiful gesture which reminds the faithful of the cross of salvation while invoking the Holy Trinity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Though the Orthodox make the sign of the cross rather liberally, there are a couple times when we should not make the sign of the cross during services: At the chalice before or after taking Holy Communion* Whenever a bishop or priest blesses the congregation with his hand and says, “Peace be to all.” Simon. Usually, the spoken prayer is “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Which brings me to my next point. 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