Sign of the cross: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Redirect|Cross My Heart and Hope to Die|the film|Cross My Heart and Hope to Die (film)||Cross My Heart (disambiguation){{!}}Cross My Heart}}

[[File:Sign of the cross step by step.png|thumb|alt=refer to caption|The steps for making the sign of the cross in Catholic and Protestant rites]]

Making the '''sign of the cross''' ({{lang-la|signum crucis}}), oralso known as '''blessing oneself''' or '''crossing oneself''', is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of [[Christianity]]. This blessing is made by the tracing of an [[Latin cross|upright cross]] or ~~'''+'''~~[[Greek cross]] across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the [[Trinitarian formula]]: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coptic.net/prayers/agpeya/Veil.html|title=The Prayer of the Veil|year=2011|publisher=Encyclopedia Coptica|language=en|access-date=14 October 2016|pages=16–17}}</ref>

The use of the sign of the cross traces back to [[early Christianity]], with the ~~second~~ third-century treatise ''[[Apostolic Tradition]]'' directing that it be used during the [[Minor exorcism in Christianity|minor exorcism]] of [[baptism]], during [[ablution in Christianity|ablutions]] before praying at [[fixed prayer times]], and in times of temptation.<ref name="Hippolytus">{{cite web |author1=Hippolytus |author-link=Hippolytus of Rome |title=Apostolic Tradition |url=http://www.stjohnsarlingtonva.org/Customer-Content/saintjohnsarlington/CMS/files/EFM/Apostolic_Tradition_by_Hippolytus.pdf |~~publisher~~archive-url=Sthttps://web.archive.org/web/20190204235508/http://www.stjohnsarlingtonva.org/Customer-Content/saintjohnsarlington/CMS/files/EFM/Apostolic_Tradition_by_Hippolytus.pdf ~~John's~~|archive-date=4 ~~Episcopal~~February 2019 ~~Church~~|access-date=5 September 2020 |publisher=St. John's Episcopal Church |pages=8, 16, 17 |language=en}}</ref>

The movement is the tracing of the shape of a cross in the air or on one's own body, echoing [[Instrument of Jesus' crucifixion|the traditional shape]] of the [[Christian cross|cross]] of the ~~[[Christianity|Christian]]~~ [[crucifixion of Jesus~~|crucifixion narrative~~]]. Where this is done with fingers joined, there are two principal forms: one—three fingers (to represent the Trinity),<ref name="Seymour1898">{{cite book |last1=Seymour |first1=William Wood |title=The Cross in Tradition, History, and Art |date=1898 |publisher=G.P. Putnam's Sons |page=419 |language=en}}</ref> right to left—is exclusively used by the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], [[Church of the East]], [[Eastern Lutheranism|Eastern Lutheran Churches]] and the [[Eastern Catholic Churches]] in the [[Byzantine Rite|Byzantine]], [[Syriac Christianity|Assyrian]] and [[Chaldean Catholic Church|Chaldean]] traditions; the other—left to right to middle, other than three fingers—sometimes used in the [[Latin Church]] of the [[Catholic Church]], [[Lutheranism]], [[Anglicanism]] and in [[Oriental Orthodoxy]]. The sign of the cross is used in some denominations of [[Methodism]] and within some branches of [[Presbyterianism]] such as the Church of Scotland and in the PCUSA and some other [[Reformed Churches]]. The ritual is rare within other branches of [[Protestantism]].

Many individuals use the expression "cross my heart and hope to die" as an [[oath]], making the sign of the cross, in order to show "truthfulness and sincerity", sworn before God, in both personal and legal situations.<ref name="Ayto2010">{{cite book|last=Ayto|first=John|title=Oxford Dictionary of English Idioms|date=8 July 2010|publisher=Oxford University Press|language=en |isbn=9780199543786|page=79}}</ref>

==Origins==

The sign of the cross was originally made in some parts of the Christian world with the right-hand thumb across the forehead only.<ref name="Thurston">[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13785a.htm Thurston, Herbert. "Sign of the Cross." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 13. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 20 Jan. 2015]</ref> In other parts of the [[Early Christianity|early Christian]] world it was done with the whole hand or with two fingers.<ref>Andreas Andreopoulos, ''The Sign of the Cross'', Paraclete Press, 2006, {{ISBN|978-1-55725-496-2}}, p. 24.</ref> Around the year 200 in [[Roman Carthage|Carthage]] (modern [[Tunisia]], [[Africa]]), [[Tertullian]] wrote: "We Christians wear out our foreheads with the sign of the cross."<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04517a.htm Marucchi, Orazio. "Archæology of the Cross and Crucifix." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 20 Jan. 2015]</ref> Hippolytus of Rome, in his [[Apostolic Tradition]], recommends sealing oneself the forehead in times of temptation, with it being described as the "Sign of the Passion." Vestiges of this early variant of the practice remain: in the [[Roman Rite]] of the [[Mass (Catholic Church)|Mass]] in the [[Catholic Church]], the celebrant makes this gesture on the Gospel book, on his lips, and on his heart at the proclamation of the Gospel;<ref name="Thurston" /> on [[Ash Wednesday]] a cross is traced in ashes on the forehead; [[chrism]] is applied, among places on the body, on the forehead for the [[Sacred mysteries#Eastern Christianity|Holy Mystery]] of [[Chrismation]] in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]].<ref name="Thurston" />

==Gesture==

Historically, the sign of the cross was made from the right to the left, as done in the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]].<ref>Ted A. Campbell, ''Christian Confessions: A Historical Introduction'' (Westminster John Knox Press, 1996), p. 45.</ref> Western Catholics (the [[Latin Church]]) have made the motion from left to right, while [[Eastern Catholics]] follow the traditional signage of right to left.<ref>Daniel A. Helminiak, ''Religion and the Human Sciences: An Approach Via Spirituality'' (State University of New York Press (Albany, N.Y.: 1998).</ref>

~~[[File:Funeral of Patriarch Alexy II-9.jpg|thumb|Orthodox Christians (among them then-president of Russia [[Dmitry Medvedev]]) making the sign of the cross at the funeral of [[Patriarch Alexy II]]]]~~

In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Byzantine Rite|Byzantine]] [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Catholic]] (Eastern Catholics) churches, the tips of the first three fingers (the thumb, index, and middle ones) are brought together, and the last two (the "ring" and little fingers) are pressed against the palm. The first three fingers express one's faith in the Trinity, while the remaining two fingers represent the two natures of Jesus, divine and human.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/LGOT/sign.shtml |chapter=The Sign of the Cross |last=Slobodskoy |first=Serafim Alexivich |translator-last=Price |translator-first=Susan |translator-link=Susan Price |date=1992 |website=OrthodoxPhotos.com |publisher=[[Holy Trinity Monastery (Jordanville, New York)]] |title=The Law of God |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706134056/https://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/LGOT/sign.shtml |archive-date=6 July 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2019 |isbn=978-0-88465-044-7}} ''Original:'' {{cite book |chapter-url=https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Serafim_Slobodskoj/zakon-bozhij/6 |chapter=О крестном знамении |trans-chapter=The Sign of the Cross |last=Слободской |first=Серафим Алексеевич |date=1957 |publication-date=1966 |website=[[Православная энциклопедия]] [[Azbuka|Азбука]] веры {{!}} православный сайт |language=ru |script-title=ru:Закон Божий |trans-title=The Law of God |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725073912/https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Serafim_Slobodskoj/zakon-bozhij/6 |archive-date=25 July 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref>▼

Historically, Western Catholics (the [[Latin Church]]) have made the motion from left to right, while [[Eastern Catholics]] have made the motion from right to left.<ref>Daniel A. Helminiak, ''Religion and the Human Sciences: An Approach Via Spirituality'' (State University of New York Press (Albany, N.Y.: 1998).</ref> The [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] custom is also to make the motion from right to left.<ref>Ted A. Campbell, ''Christian Confessions: A Historical Introduction'' (Westminster John Knox Press, 1996), p. 45.</ref>

▲In the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Byzantine Rite|Byzantine]] [[Eastern Catholic Churches|Catholic]] churches, the tips of the first three fingers (the thumb, index, and middle ones) are brought together, and the last two (the "ring" and little fingers) are pressed against the palm. The first three fingers express one's faith in the Trinity, while the remaining two fingers represent the two natures of Jesus, divine and human.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/LGOT/sign.shtml |chapter=The Sign of the Cross |last=Slobodskoy |first=Serafim Alexivich |translator-last=Price |translator-first=Susan |translator-link=Susan Price |date=1992 |website=OrthodoxPhotos.com |publisher=[[Holy Trinity Monastery (Jordanville, New York)]] |title=The Law of God |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706134056/https://www.orthodoxphotos.com/readings/LGOT/sign.shtml |archive-date=6 July 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2019 |isbn=978-0-88465-044-7}} ''Original:'' {{cite book |chapter-url=https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Serafim_Slobodskoj/zakon-bozhij/6 |chapter=О крестном знамении |trans-chapter=The Sign of the Cross |last=Слободской |first=Серафим Алексеевич |date=1957 |publication-date=1966 |website=[[Православная энциклопедия]] [[Azbuka|Азбука]] веры {{!}} православный сайт |language=ru |script-title=ru:Закон Божий |trans-title=The Law of God |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725073912/https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Serafim_Slobodskoj/zakon-bozhij/6 |archive-date=25 July 2017 |url-status=live |access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref>

=== Motion ===

The sign of the cross is made by touching the hand sequentially to the forehead, lower chest or stomach, and both shoulders, accompanied by the [[Trinitarian formula]]: at the forehead ''"In the name of the Father''" (or ''{{lang|la|In nomine Patris''}} in Latin); at the stomach or heart ''"and of the Son''" (''{{lang|la|et Filii''}}); across the shoulders ''"and of the [[Holy Spirit]]/Ghost''" (''{{lang|la|et Spiritus Sancti''}}); and finally: ''"[[Amen]]''".<ref>Sullivan, John F., ''The Externals of the Catholic Church'', P.J. Kenedy & Sons (1918)</ref>

There are several interpretations, according to [[Church Fathers]]:<ref name="prayer-book-bor">''Prayer Book'', edited by the [[Romanian Orthodox Church]], several editions (''Carte de rugăciuni'' - Editura Institutului biblic şi de misiune al Bisericii ortodoxe române, 2005),</ref> the forehead symbolizes Heaven; the solar plexus (or top of stomach), the earth; the shoulders, the place and sign of power. It also recalls both the [[Trinity]] and the [[Incarnation]]. [[Pope Innocent III]] (1198–1216) explained: "The sign of the cross is made with three fingers, because the signing is done together with the invocation of the Trinity. {{nbsp}}[...] This is how it is done: from above to below, and from the right to the left, because Christ descended from the heavens to the earth".~~.."~~<ref name=Innocent>"Est autem signum crucis tribus digitis exprimendum, quia sub invocatione Trinitatis imprimitur, de qua dicit propheta: Quis appendit tribus digitis molem terrae? (Isa. XL.) ita quod a superiori descendat in inferius, et a dextra transeat ad sinistram, quia Christus de coelo descendit in terram, et a Judaeis transivit ad gentes. Quidam tamen signum crucis a sinistra producunt in dextram; quia de miseria transire debemus ad gloriam, sicut et Christus transivit de morte ad vitam, et de inferno ad paradisum, praesertim ut seipsos et alios uno eodemque pariter modo consignent. Constat autem quod cum super alios signum crucis imprimimus, ipsos a sinistris consignamus in dextram. Verum si diligenter attendas, etiam super alios signum crucis a dextra producimus in sinistram, quia non consignamus eos quasi vertentes dorsum, sed quasi faciem praesentantes." (InnocentiusInnocent III, ''De sacro altaris mysterio'', II, xlv in Patrologia Latina 217, 825C--D.)</ref>

There are some variations: for example a person may first place the right hand in [[holy water]]. After moving the hand from one shoulder to the other, it may be returned to the top of the stomach. It may also be accompanied by the recitation of a prayer (e.g., the [[Jesus Prayer]], or simply "[[Kyrie|Lord have mercy]]"). In some Catholic regions, like [[Spain]], [[Italy]] and [[Latin America]], it is customary to form a cross with the index finger and thumb and then to kiss one's thumb at the conclusion of the gesture.<ref>Patricia Ann Kasten, ''Linking Your Beads: The Rosary's History, Mysteries, and Prayers'', Our Sunday Visitor 2011, p. 34</ref>

=== Sequence ===

[[Cyril of Jerusalem]] (315–386)<ref name="CyrilJeru">Mark W. Elliott, Thomas C. Oden. ''Isaiah 40-66''. Intervarsity Press (2007): p. 335</ref> wrote in his book about the Smaller Sign of the Cross.:

<blockquote>Many have been crucified throughout the world, but by none of these are the devils scared; but when they see even the Sign of the Cross of Christ, who was crucified for us, they shudder. For those men died for their own sins, but Christ for the sins of others; for He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. It is not Peter who says this, for then we might suspect that he was partial to his Teacher; but it is Esaias who says it, who was not indeed present with Him in the flesh, but in the Spirit foresaw His coming in the flesh.<ref name="CyrilCateLecture"> Cyril of Jerusalem. Catechetical Lecture 13. [https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310113.htm]</ref></blockquote>▼

<blockquote>For others only hear, but we both see and handle. Let none be weary; take your armour against the adversaries in the cause of the Cross itself; set up the faith of the Cross as a trophy against the gainsayers. For when you are going to dispute with unbelievers concerning the Cross of Christ, first make with your hand the sign of Christ's Cross, and the gainsayer will be silenced. Be not ashamed to confess the Cross; for Angels glory in it, saying, We know whom you seek, Jesus the Crucified. Matthew 28:5 Might you not say, O Angel, I know whom you seek, my Master? But, I, he says with boldness, I know the Crucified. For the Cross is a Crown, not a dishonour.<ref name="CyrilCateLecture"></ref></blockquote>▼

<blockquote>Let us not then be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow, and on everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we rise up; when we are in the way, and when we are still. Great is that preservative; it is without price, for the sake of the poor; without toil, for the sick; since also its grace is from God. It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of devils: for He triumphed over them in it, having made a show of them openly Colossians 2:15; for when they see the Cross they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, who bruised the heads of the dragon. Despise not the Seal, because of the freeness of the gift; out for this the rather honour your Benefactor.<ref name="CyrilCateLecture"></ref></blockquote>▼

▲<{{blockquote>|Many have been crucified throughout the world, but by none of these are the devils scared; but when they see even the Sign of the Cross of Christ, who was crucified for us, they shudder. For those men died for their own sins, but Christ for the sins of others; for He did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. It is not Peter who says this, for then we might suspect that he was partial to his Teacher; but it is Esaias who says it, who was not indeed present with Him in the flesh, but in the Spirit foresaw His coming in the flesh.<ref name="CyrilCateLecture"> ~~Cyril of Jerusalem. Catechetical Lecture 13.~~ [https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310113.htm Cyril of Jerusalem. Catechetical Lecture 13]</ref>~~</blockquote>~~}}

[[John of Damascus]] (650–750)<ref name="JohnofDama">Steven A. McKinion, Thomas C. Oden. ''Isaiah 1-39''. Intervarsity Press (2004): p. 279</ref>▼

▲<{{blockquote>|For others only hear, but we both see and handle. Let none be weary; take your armour against the adversaries in the cause of the Cross itself; set up the faith of the Cross as a trophy against the gainsayers. For when you are going to dispute with unbelievers concerning the Cross of Christ, first make with your hand the sign of Christ's Cross, and the gainsayer will be silenced. Be not ashamed to confess the Cross; for Angels glory in it, saying, We know whom you seek, Jesus the Crucified. Matthew 28:5 Might you not say, O Angel, I know whom you seek, my Master? But, I, he says with boldness, I know the Crucified. For the Cross is a Crown, not a dishonour.<ref name="CyrilCateLecture">< /~~ref></blockquote~~>}}

<blockquote>Moreover we worship even the image of the precious and life-giving Cross, although made of another tree, not honouring the tree (God forbid) but the image as a symbol of Christ. For He said to His disciples, admonishing them, Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Matthew 24:30, meaning the Cross. And so also the angel of the resurrection said to the woman, You seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified. Mark 16:6 And the Apostle said, We preach Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 1:23 For there are many Christs and many Jesuses, but one crucified. He does not say speared but crucified. It behooves us, then, to worship the sign of Christ. For wherever the sign may be, there also will He be. But it does not behoove us to worship the material of which the image of the Cross is composed, even though it be gold or precious stones, after it is destroyed, if that should happen. Everything, therefore, that is dedicated to God we worship, conferring the adoration on Him.<ref name="JohnExpoOrthoFaith"> John of Damascus. An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Vol. 4 [https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310113.htm]</ref></blockquote>▼

▲<{{blockquote>|Let us not then be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Be the Cross our seal made with boldness by our fingers on our brow, and on everything; over the bread we eat, and the cups we drink; in our comings in, and goings out; before our sleep, when we lie down and when we rise up; when we are in the way, and when we are still. Great is that preservative; it is without price, for the sake of the poor; without toil, for the sick; since also its grace is from God. It is the Sign of the faithful, and the dread of devils: for He triumphed over them in it, having made a show of them openly Colossians 2:15; for when they see the Cross they are reminded of the Crucified; they are afraid of Him, who bruised the heads of the dragon. Despise not the Seal, because of the freeness of the gift; out for this the rather honour your Benefactor.<ref name="CyrilCateLecture">< /~~ref></blockquote~~>}}

▲[[John of Damascus]] (650–750) stated:<ref name="JohnofDama">Steven A. McKinion, Thomas C. Oden. ''Isaiah 1-39''. Intervarsity Press (2004): p. 279</ref>

▲<{{blockquote>|Moreover we worship even the image of the precious and life-giving Cross, although made of another tree, not honouring the tree (God forbid) but the image as a symbol of Christ. For He said to His disciples, admonishing them, Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in Heaven Matthew 24:30, meaning the Cross. And so also the angel of the resurrection said to the woman, You seek Jesus of Nazareth which was crucified. Mark 16:6 And the Apostle said, We preach Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 1:23 For there are many Christs and many Jesuses, but one crucified. He does not say speared but crucified. It behooves us, then, to worship the sign of Christ. For wherever the sign may be, there also will He be. But it does not behoove us to worship the material of which the image of the Cross is composed, even though it be gold or precious stones, after it is destroyed, if that should happen. Everything, therefore, that is dedicated to God we worship, conferring the adoration on Him.<ref name="JohnExpoOrthoFaith">[https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/33044.htm John of Damascus. An Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, ~~Vol.~~Book ~~4 [https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310113.htm~~IV]</ref>~~</blockquote>~~}}

[[Herbert Thurston]] indicates that at one time both Eastern and Western Christians moved the hand from the right shoulder to the left. German theologian Valentin Thalhofer thought writings quoted in support of this point, such as that of [[Innocent III]], refer to the small cross made upon the forehead or external objects, in which the hand moves naturally from right to left, and not the big cross made from shoulder to shoulder.<ref name=Thurston/> Andreas Andreopoulos, author of ''The Sign of the Cross'', gives a more detailed description of the development and the symbolism of the placement of the fingers and the direction of the movement.<ref>Andreas Andreopoulos, ''The Sign of the Cross'', Paraclete Press, 2006, {{ISBN|978-1-55725-496-2}}, pp. 11–42.</ref>

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===Catholicism===

Within the [[Roman Catholic]] ~~church~~Church, the sign of the cross is a [[sacramental]], which the Church defines as "sacred signs which bear a resemblance to the sacraments"; that "signify effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, which are obtained through the intercession of the Church"; and that "always include a prayer, often accompanied by a specific sign, such as the [[laying on of hands]], the sign of the cross, or the sprinkling of [[holy water]] (which recalls Baptism)."<ref name=CCCSacramentals>[https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P58.HTM Catechism of the Catholic Church] (1992), chap. 4, art. 1.</ref> Section 1670 of the [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]] (CCC) states, "Sacramentals do not confer the [[Grace in Christianity|grace]] of the [[Holy Spirit]] in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church's prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it. For well-disposed members of the faithful, the liturgy of the sacraments and sacramentals sanctifies almost every event of their lives with the divine grace which flows from the [[Paschal mystery]] of the [[Passion of Christ|Passion]], Death, and Resurrection of Christ."<ref name=CCCSacramentals/> Section 1671 of the CCC states: "Among sacramentals blessings (of persons, meals, objects, and places) come first. Every blessing praises God and prays for his gifts. In Christ, Christians are blessed by God the Father 'with every spiritual blessing.' This is why the Church imparts blessings by invoking the name of Jesus, usually while making the holy sign of the cross of Christ."<ref name=CCCSacramentals/> Section 2157 of the CCC states: "The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.' The baptized person dedicates the day to the glory of God and calls on the Savior's grace which lets him act in the Spirit as a child of the Father. The sign of the cross strengthens us in temptations and difficulties."<ref name=CCCLifeChrist>[https://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c1a2.htm Catechism of the Catholic Church] (1992), section 2157.</ref>

[[John Vianney]] said a genuinely made Sign of the Cross "makes all hell tremble."<ref>[http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/faith/praying/2010/08-24/making-the-sign-of-the-cross Emmons, D. D., "Making the Sign of the Cross", ''Catholic Digest''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813153520/http://www.catholicdigest.com/articles/faith/praying/2010/08-24/making-the-sign-of-the-cross |date=13 August 2016 }}</ref>

The [[Catholic Church]]'s [[Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite]], the [[Priesthood in the Catholic Church|priest]] and the faithful make the Sign of the Cross at the conclusion of the Entrance Chant and the priest or [[deacon]] "makes the Sign of the Cross on the book and on his forehead, lips, and breast" when announcing the [[Gospel]] text (to which the people acclaim: "Glory to you, O Lord").<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://resources.ipsissima-verba.org/documents/ordinary-form-order-of-mass-draft-3.pdf|title=The Order of Mass (The Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite): In Latin and in English|publisher=[[International Commission on English in the Liturgy]]|date=2010}}</ref>

The sign of the cross is expected at two points ofin the [[Mass ~~(liturgy)~~in the Catholic Church|Mass]]: the laity sign themselves during the introductory greeting of the service and at the final blessing; optionally, other times during the Mass when the laity often cross themselves are during a blessing with holy water, when concluding the penitential rite, in imitation of the priest before the Gospel reading (small signs on forehead, lips, and heart), and perhaps at other times out of personal devotion.

===Eastern Orthodoxy===

[[File:SignOfTheCross.HandConfiguration.jpg|thumb|75px|left|Position of an Eastern Orthodox person's fingers when making the sign of the cross]]

In the Eastern Orthodox ~~churches~~Churches, use of the sign of the cross in worship is far more frequent than in the Western churches.<ref name="Daniel B. Clendenin 2003 p. 19">Daniel B. Clendenin, ''Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective'' (Baker Publishing: 2003), p. 19.</ref> While there are points in liturgy at which almost all worshipers cross themselves, Orthodox faithful have significant freedom to make the sign at other times as well,<ref> name="Daniel B. Clendenin~~, ''Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective'' (Baker Publishing:~~ 2003), p. 19.<"/~~ref~~> and many make the sign frequently throughout [[Divine Liturgy]] or other church services.<ref>Hugh Wybrew, ''The Orthodox Liturgy: The Development of the Eucharistic Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite'' (1989, St. Vladimir's Press reprint, 2003), p. 5.</ref><ref>Anthony Edward Siecienski, ''Orthodox Christianity: A Very Short Introduction'' Oxford University Press: 2019), p. 83.</ref> During the [[epiclesis]] (the invocation of the Holy Spirit as part of the consecration of the Eucharist), the priest makes the sign of the cross over the bread.<ref>Hugh Wybrew, ''The Orthodox Liturgy: The Development of the Eucharistic Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite'' (1989, St. Vladimir's Press reprint, 2003), p. 157.</ref> The early theologian [[Basil of Caesarea]] noted the use of the sign of the cross in the rite marking the admission of [[catechumens]].<ref>Daniel B. Clendenin, ''Eastern Orthodox Christianity: A Western Perspective'' (Baker Publishing: 2003) p. 110.</ref>

====Old Believers====

In the [[Tsardom of Russia]], until the reforms of [[Patriarch Nikon]] in the 17th century, it was customary to make the sign of the cross with two fingers. The enforcement of the three-finger sign (as opposed to the two-finger sign of the "Old Rite"), as well as other Nikonite reforms (which alternated certain previous Russian practices to conform with Greek customs), were among the reasons for the [[schism]] with the [[Old Believers]] whose congregations continue to use the two-finger sign of the cross (other points of dispute included [[iconography]] and [[iconoclasm]], as well as changes in liturgical practices).<ref>Peter T. De Simone, ''The Old Believers in Imperial Russia: Oppression, Opportunism and Religious Identity in Tsarist Moscow'' (2018), pp. 13, 54, 109, 206.</ref><ref name=Hamburg>Gary M. Hamburg, ''Russia's Path Toward Enlightenment: Faith, Politics, and Reason, 1500-1801'' (Yale University Press, 2016), p. 179.</ref><~~Ref~~ref>Peter Hauptmann, "Old Believers" in ''The Encyclopedia of Christianity'', Vol. 3 ([[William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company]]/Brill: 2003).</ref> The Old Believers considered the two-fingered symbol to symbolize the [[Hypostatic union|dual nature of Christ as divine and human]] (the other three fingers in the palm representing the [[Trinity]]).<ref name=Hamburg/>

===Protestant traditions===

====Lutheranism====

Among Lutherans the practice was widely retained. For example, [[Luther's Small Catechism]] states that it is expected before the morning and evening prayers. Lutheranism never abandoned the practice of making the sign of the cross in principle and it was commonly retained in worship at least until the early 19th century. During the 19th and early 20th centuries it was largely in disuse until the liturgical renewal movement of the 1950s and 1960s. One exception is ''[[The Lutheran Hymnal]]'' (1941) of the [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] (LCMS)~~, which~~ states that "The sign of the cross may be made at the Trinitarian Invocation and at the words of the Nicene Creed 'and the life of the world to come.{{'"}}<ref>''The Lutheran Hymnal'', 1941. Concordia Publishing House: St. Louis, page 4.</ref> ~~Since then,~~In the ~~sign of~~present-day, the ~~cross has become fairly commonplace among Lutherans at worship. The~~ sign of the cross is ~~now~~ customary inthroughout the [[Divine Service (Lutheran)|Divine Service]].<ref name="ELCA">{{cite web|url = http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Worship.aspx| title = Why Do Lutherans Make the Sign of the Cross?|publisher = Evangelical Lutheran Church in America|access-date = 16 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="LCMS">{{cite web|url=http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=3941 |title=Sign of the Cross |publisher=Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod |access-date=12 September 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050920095725/http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=3941 |archive-date=20 September 2005 }}</ref> Rubrics in contemporary Lutheran worship manuals, including ''[[Evangelical Lutheran Worship]]'' of the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and ''[[Lutheran Service Book]]'' used by LCMS and [[Lutheran Church–Canada]], provide for making the sign of the cross at certain points in the liturgy.<ref>''Evangelical Lutheran Worship''. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006</ref><ref>''Lutheran Service Book''. St. Louis: Concordia, 2006</ref> The sign of the cross is made with three fingers, starting with touching the head, touching the chest (heart) and then going from the right shoulder to the left shoulder.<ref name="Young2017">{{cite web |title=Making the Sign of the Cross |url=http://redeemernashville.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Making-the-Sign-of-the-Cross.pdf |publisher=Redeemer Lutheran Church |access-date=24 May 2023 |language=English |date=2017}}</ref>

====Anglican and Episcopal traditions====▼

====Methodism====▼

The [[English Reformation]] reduced the use of the sign of the cross compared to its use in Catholic rites. The [[Book of Common Prayer (1549)|1549 ''Book of Common Prayer'']] reduced the use of the sign of the cross by clergy during liturgy to five occasions, although an added note ("As touching, kneeling, crossing, holding up of hands, and other gestures; they may be used or left as every man's devotion serveth, without blame") gave more leeway to the faithful to make the sign.<ref name=HistDictAnglican>Colin Buchanan, ''Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism'' (Rowman & Littlefield, 2nd ed.: 2015), pp. 533-35.</ref> The [[Book of Common Prayer (1552)|1552 ''Book of Common Prayer'']] (~~revived~~revised in 1559) reduced the five set uses to a single usage, during baptism.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> The form of the sign was touching the head, chest, then both shoulders.<~~Ref~~ref name=Nelson/>▼

The sign of the cross can be found in the [[Methodist]] liturgy of the [[United Methodist Church]].<ref name="UMC 1">{{cite web|url =https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-why-dont-united-methodists-make-the-sign-of-the-cross|title=Why don't we make the sign of the cross?|publisher = United Methodist Church|access-date =September 19, 2022}}</ref> [[John Wesley]], the principal leader of the early Methodists, in a 1784 revision of ''The Book of Common Prayer'' for Methodist use called ''The Sunday Service of the Methodists in North America'', instructed the presiding minister to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of children just after they have been baptized. (This book was later adopted by Methodists in the United States for their liturgy.)<ref name="UMC 1"/><ref>John Wesley's Prayer Book: The Sunday Service of the Methodists in North America with introduction, notes, and commentary by James F. White, 1991 OSL Publications, Akron, Ohio, page 142.</ref> Wesley did not include the sign of the cross in other rites.<ref name="UMC 1"/> ▼

The use of the mandatory sign of the cross during baptism was one of several points of contention between the [[Established church|established]] [[Church of England]] and [[Puritans]], who objected to this sole mandatory sign of the cross,<ref name=HistDictAnglican/><~~Ref~~ref name=Nelson>Louis P. Nelson, ''The Beauty of Holiness: Anglicanism and Architecture in Colonial South Carolina'' (University of North Carolina Press: 2009), p. 152.</ref> and its connections to the church's Catholic past.<~~Ref~~ref name=Nelson/> [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|Nonconformists]] refused to use the sign.<~~Ref~~ref name=Nelson/> In addition to its Catholic associations, the sign of the cross was significant in [[English folklore|English folk traditions]], with the sign believed to have a [[Apotropaic|protective function against evil]].<~~Ref~~ref name=Nelson/> Puritans viewed the sign of the cross as superstitious and idolatrous.<~~Ref~~ref name=Nelson/> Use of the sign of the cross during baptism was defended by [[James VI and I|King James I]] at the [[Hampton Court Conference]] and by the 1604 Code of Canons, and its continued use was one of many factors in the [[English Dissenters|departure of Puritans from the Church of England]].<ref name=HistDictAnglican/>▼

By the early 20th century, the use of the sign of the cross had been dropped from American Methodist worship.<ref name="UMC 1"/> However, its uses was subsequently restored, and the current United Methodist Church allows the pastor to "trace on the forehead of each newly baptized person the sign of the cross."<ref name="UMC 1"/> This usage during baptism is reflected in the current (1992) ''[[The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992)|Book of Worship of the United Methodist Church]]'', and is widely practiced (sometimes with oil).<ref>The United Methodist Book of Worship, Nashville 1992, p. 91</ref> Making of the sign is also common among United Methodists on [[Ash Wednesday]], when it is applied by the [[Elder (Methodism)|elder]] to the foreheads of the [[laity]] as a mark of penitence.<ref name="UMC 1"/><ref>The United Methodist Book of Worship, Nashville 1992, p. 323.</ref> In some United Methodist congregations, the worship leader makes the sign of the cross toward congregants (for example, when [[Benediction|blessing the congregation at the end of the sermon or service]]), and individual congregants make the sign on themselves when receiving [[Holy Communion]].<ref name="UMC 1"/> The sign is also sometimes made by pastors, with oil, upon the foreheads of those seeking healing.<ref>The United Methodist Book of Worship, Nashville 1992, p. 620.</ref> In addition to its use in baptism, some Methodist clergy make the sign at the [[Communion table]] and during the [[Confession (religion)#Methodism|Confession of Sin and Pardon]] at the invocation of [[Jesus' name]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revneal.org/Writings/Writings/preparedandcrosschecked.html|title=Prepared and Cross-Checked|last=Neal|first=Gregory S.|year=2011|publisher=Grace Incarnate Ministries|language=en|access-date=25 April 2019}}</ref>▼

The 1789 Prayer Book of the [[Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America]] made the sign of the cross during baptism optional, apparently in concession to varying views within the church on the sign's use.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> The 1892 revision of the Prayer Book, however, made the sign mandatory.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> The [[Anglo-Catholic]] movement saw a resurgence in the use of the sign of the cross within Anglicanism, including by laity and in church architecture and decoration;<ref name=AZAnglicanism>Colin Buchanan, ''The A to Z of Anglicanism'' (Scarecrow Press: 2009), pp. 126-27.</ref> historically, "[[high church]]" Anglicans were more apt to make the sign of the cross than "[[low church]]" Anglicans.<~~Ref~~ref>Corinne Ware, ''What Is Liturgy?'' Forward Movement Publications (1996), p. 18.</ref> Objections to the use of the sign of the ~~church~~cross within Anglicanism were largely dropped in the 20th century.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> In some Anglican traditions, the sign of the cross is made by priests when consecrating the bread and wine of the [[Eucharist]] and when giving the priestly blessing at the end of a church service, and is made by congregants when receiving Communion.<ref>Marcus Throup, ''All Things Anglican: Who We Are and What We Believe'' ([[Canterbury Press]], 2018).</ref> More recently, some Anglican bishops have adopted the Roman Catholic practice of placing a sign of the cross (+) before their signatures.<ref name=AZAnglicanism/>▼

Whether or not a Methodist uses the sign for private prayer is a personal choice, although the UMC encourages it as a devotional practice, stating: "Many United Methodists have found this restoration powerful and meaningful. The ancient and enduring power of the sign of the cross is available for us to use as United Methodists more abundantly now than ever in our history. And more and more United Methodists are expanding its use beyond those suggested in our official ritual."<ref name="UMC 1"/>▼

▲====Methodism====

~~====Reformed tradition and Presbyterians====~~

▲The sign of the cross can be found in the [[Methodist]] liturgy of the [[United Methodist Church]].<ref name="UMC 1">{{cite web|url =https://www.umc.org/en/content/ask-the-umc-why-dont-united-methodists-make-the-sign-of-the-cross|title=Why don't we make the sign of the cross?|publisher = United Methodist Church|access-date =September 19, 2022}}</ref> [[John Wesley]], the principal leader of the early Methodists, in a 1784 revision of ''The Book of Common Prayer'' for Methodist use called ''The Sunday Service of the Methodists in North America'', instructed the presiding minister to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of children just after they have been baptized. (This book was later adopted by Methodists in the United States for their liturgy.)<ref name="UMC 1"/><ref>John Wesley's Prayer Book: The Sunday Service of the Methodists in North America with introduction, notes, and commentary by James F. White, 1991 OSL Publications, Akron, Ohio, page 142.</ref> Wesley did not include the sign of the cross in other rites.<ref name="UMC 1"/>

In some [[Reformed churches]], such as the [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], the sign of the cross is used on the foreheads during baptism and the Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant.<ref>J. Dudley Weaver Jr., ''Presbyterian Worship: A Guide for Clergy'' ([[Geneva Press]]: 2002), pp. 86-87.</ref> It is also used at times during the Benediction, the minister will make the sign of the cross out toward the congregation while invoking the Trinity.▼

▲By the early 20th century, the use of the sign of the cross had been dropped from American Methodist worship.<ref name="UMC 1"/> However, its uses was subsequently restored, and the current United Methodist Church allows the pastor to "trace on the forehead of each newly baptized person the sign of the cross."<ref name="UMC 1"/> This usage during baptism is reflected in the current (1992) ''[[The United Methodist Book of Worship (1992)|Book of Worship of the United Methodist Church]]'', and is widely practiced (sometimes with oil).<ref>The United Methodist Book of Worship, Nashville 1992, p. 91</ref> Making of the sign is also common among United Methodists on [[Ash Wednesday]], when it is applied by the [[Elder (Methodism)|elder]] to the foreheads of the [[laity]] as a mark of penitence.<ref name="UMC 1"/><ref>The United Methodist Book of Worship, Nashville 1992, p. 323.</ref> In some United Methodist congregations, the worship leader makes the sign of the cross toward congregants (for example, when [[Benediction|blessing the congregation at the end of the sermon or service]]), and individual congregants make the sign on themselves when receiving [[Holy Communion]].<ref name="UMC 1"/> The sign is also sometimes made by pastors, with oil, upon the foreheads of those seeking healing.<ref>The United Methodist Book of Worship, Nashville 1992, p. 620.</ref> In addition to its use in baptism, some Methodist clergy make the sign at the [[Communion table]] and during the [[Confession (religion)#Methodism|Confession of Sin and Pardon]] at the invocation of [[Jesus' name]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revneal.org/Writings/Writings/preparedandcrosschecked.html|title=Prepared and Cross-Checked|last=Neal|first=Gregory S.|year=2011|publisher=Grace Incarnate Ministries|language=en|access-date=25 April 2019}}</ref>

▲====Anglican and Episcopal traditions====

▲The [[English Reformation]] reduced the use of the sign of the cross compared to its use in Catholic rites. The [[Book of Common Prayer (1549)|1549 ''Book of Common Prayer'']] reduced the use of the sign of the cross by clergy during liturgy to five occasions, although an added note ("As touching, kneeling, crossing, holding up of hands, and other gestures; they may be used or left as every man's devotion serveth, without blame") gave more leeway to the faithful to make the sign.<ref name=HistDictAnglican>Colin Buchanan, ''Historical Dictionary of Anglicanism'' (Rowman & Littlefield, 2nd ed.: 2015), pp. 533-35.</ref> The [[Book of Common Prayer (1552)|1552 ''Book of Common Prayer'']] (revived in 1559) reduced the five set uses to a single usage, during baptism.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> The form of the sign was touching the head, chest, then both shoulders.<Ref name=Nelson/>

▲Whether or not a Methodist uses the sign for private prayer is a personal choice, although the UMC encourages it as a devotional practice, stating: "Many United Methodists have found this restoration powerful and meaningful. The ancient and enduring power of the sign of the cross is available for us to use as United Methodists more abundantly now than ever in our history. And more and more United Methodists are expanding its use beyond those suggested in our official ritual."<ref name="UMC 1"/>

▲The use of the mandatory sign of the cross during baptism was one of several points of contention between the [[Established church|established]] [[Church of England]] and [[Puritans]], who objected to this sole mandatory sign of the cross,<ref name=HistDictAnglican/><Ref name=Nelson>Louis P. Nelson, ''The Beauty of Holiness: Anglicanism and Architecture in Colonial South Carolina'' (University of North Carolina Press: 2009), p. 152.</ref> and its connections to the church's Catholic past.<Ref name=Nelson/> [[Nonconformist (Protestantism)|Nonconformists]] refused to use the sign.<Ref name=Nelson/> In addition to its Catholic associations, the sign of the cross was significant in [[English folklore|English folk traditions]], with the sign believed to have a [[Apotropaic|protective function against evil]].<Ref name=Nelson/> Puritans viewed the sign of the cross as superstitious and idolatrous.<Ref name=Nelson/> Use of the sign of the cross during baptism was defended by [[James VI and I|King James I]] at the [[Hampton Court Conference]] and by the 1604 Code of Canons, and its continued use was one of many factors in the [[English Dissenters|departure of Puritans from the Church of England]].<ref name=HistDictAnglican/>

==== Reformed tradition (Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregationalist) ====

▲The 1789 Prayer Book of the [[Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America]] made the sign of the cross during baptism optional, apparently in concession to varying views within the church on the sign's use.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> The 1892 revision of the Prayer Book, however, made the sign mandatory.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> The [[Anglo-Catholic]] movement saw a resurgence in the use of the sign of the cross within Anglicanism, including by laity and in church architecture and decoration;<ref name=AZAnglicanism>Colin Buchanan, ''The A to Z of Anglicanism'' (Scarecrow Press: 2009), pp. 126-27.</ref> historically, "[[high church]]" Anglicans were more apt to make the sign of the cross than "[[low church]]" Anglicans.<Ref>Corinne Ware, ''What Is Liturgy?'' Forward Movement Publications (1996), p. 18.</ref> Objections to the use of the sign of the church within Anglicanism were largely dropped in the 20th century.<ref name=HistDictAnglican/> In some Anglican traditions, the sign of the cross is made by priests when consecrating the bread and wine of the [[Eucharist]] and when giving the priestly blessing at the end of a church service, and is made by congregants when receiving Communion.<ref>Marcus Throup, ''All Things Anglican: Who We Are and What We Believe'' ([[Canterbury Press]], 2018).</ref> More recently, some Anglican bishops have adopted the Roman Catholic practice of placing a sign of the cross (+) before their signatures.<ref name=AZAnglicanism/>

▲In some [[Reformed churches]], such as the [[Church of Scotland]] and [[Presbyterian Church (USA)]], the sign of the cross is used on the foreheads during baptism and the Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant.<ref>J. Dudley Weaver Jr., ''Presbyterian Worship: A Guide for Clergy'' ([[Geneva Press]]: 2002), pp. 86-87.</ref> It is also used at times during the Benediction, the minister will make the sign of the cross out toward the congregation while invoking the Trinity.

===Armenian Apostolic===