Sign of the cross facts for kids
The sign of the cross is a special physical gesture. Christians make this sign to show their faith. It is often done at the start and end of prayers. Many Christians, especially Catholics and Orthodox Christians, use it. Some Protestants also use it.
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How Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross
Catholics usually use their right hand for this gesture. They touch their forehead first. Then, they move their hand down to their chest. After that, they touch their left shoulder, then their right shoulder.
While making the sign, they often say, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." This reminds them of the Trinity, which is God as Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit.
How Orthodox Christians Make the Sign of the Cross
Orthodox Christians have a specific way to hold their fingers. They put the tips of their thumb, index finger, and middle finger together. Their ring finger and little finger are folded against their palm.
The three fingers held together represent their belief in the Trinity. The two folded fingers represent the two natures of Jesus: that he is both fully God and fully human. Orthodox Christians usually touch their forehead, then their chest, then their right shoulder, and finally their left shoulder.
Images for kids
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Orthodox Christians, including then-president of Russia Dmitry Medvedev, making the sign of the cross at the funeral of Patriarch Alexy II.
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Position of the fingers while making the sign of the cross as seen in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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The way an Eastern Orthodox priest holds their fingers when giving a blessing.
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How fingers are held for the sign of the cross by Old Believers, a group of Orthodox Christians.
See also
In Spanish: Señal de la cruz para niños
