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.

Steps

1
Use the right hand. 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.
2
Gently touch the index, middle, and thumb to the center of your forehead.

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3
Bring your hand down, maintaining the shape to right between your ribcage and belly button.
4
Raise your hand to the right shoulder.
5
Cross over to the left shoulder.
6
Repeat twice.
7
Say the blessing. While doing this, say "God bless and protect" or "Господи спаси и сохрани" ("Gospodi spasi e sohrani") if you speak Russian

Community Q&A

Question

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.
Question

Why do I cross myself twice and not three times?

Community Answer

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.
Question

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

jonas ilver

Community Answer

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."