Everyone, even a person who is far from religion, knows that the sign of the cross is not performed in exactly the same way in Orthodox and Catholic denominations. Believers who attend church services, of course, know that the Orthodox are baptized from right to left, and Catholics vice versa.
However, how to properly cross another person, many believers have difficulty. Indeed, if you make over someone, and not over yourself, the usual movement of the sign of the cross, then the order of the shoulders will be violated. Does it matter? And how to invoke a blessing on another person correctly, without violating the canons? Why is it necessary to be baptized? Such questions are relevant for many people who, for whatever reason, do not dare to ask their clergyman in the temple.
Bwhat is the meaning of the sign of the cross?
To figure out how to properly cross another person, you need to understand the meaning of this action. Otherwise, confusion and errors in the direction of travel are inevitable.
This is not a simple ritual gesture that repeats the outline of a crucifix. The meaning of overshadowing yourself or another person with a cross is in calling God's blessing. By doing it, a Christian protects himself from all evil, both human and demonic, calling on the help of the Almighty.
When is the sign of the cross made?
This prayer movement is appropriate in any life situation. Intuitively, believers cross themselves when they are very frightened or when they encounter something incomprehensible, receive any significant news or learn shocking information. They make the sign of the cross in many other life situations.
But in addition to the circumstances when the prayer movement is made on a whim, there are those under which it is customary to make the sign of the cross for yourself or another person. These situations include primarily:
- temple entrance;
- presence at worship;
- reading the canonical prayer in front of the icon in the church;
- seeing off a loved one on the road;
- parting words to someone before significant events or trials.
Of course, it is necessary to overshadow another person with a sign both giving a blessing and in many other circumstances. We must not forget about this action when starting any important activity or starting a new business.
If it is necessary to cross yourself near the icon, then this is done three times. Twice a person makes the sign of the cross, approaching the image and stopping in front of it. After that, he prays, sets up a candle and attaches it to the salary of the icon. Then he is baptized for the third time, bows and departs from the image.
How to be baptized Orthodox?
The basis of how to properly cross another person is the same rules that guide the overshadowing of the sign of oneself. This movement is a reflection of the dogmas of religion, so it should be done by bringing together three fingers. This expresses the unity of the Holy Trinity - Father, Son and Spirit.
The procedure for making the sign of the cross is as follows:
- put together three fingers of the right hand;
- other fingers should be bent and pressed against the palm;
- with the words "in the name of the Father" you need to put a brush to your forehead;
- while saying "in the name of the Son", you need to move the folded fingers to the stomach;
- move the brush to the right shoulder with the phrase "and the Saint", then to the left with the word "Spirit";
- bow down, saying "Amen".
Fingers attached to the back of the hand are not at all "superfluous" in a prayer gesture. They symbolize the dual nature of Jesus, the presence of divine and human principles in him.
How to overshadow another person with a sign?
How to properly cross another person? Orthodoxy gives an unequivocal answer to this question - the sign must lie asas if the person crossed himself.
Accordingly, an important point in this action is the order of alternation of the shoulders. This is precisely the difficulty for many people of how to properly cross another person. For example, in a gesture of blessing, the hand, when moving from the abdomen, should go not to the right side, but to the left, since the person who is being made the sign of the cross, as a rule, stands in front of the one who makes it.
Is there any difference in the overshadowing of the sign of a person standing with his back and face?
The only difference in making the sign of the cross on a person facing the blessing and one who has turned his back is in the direction of the hand movement.
How to correctly cross another person if he is facing? To the face of the person blessing the attitude of the figure of the one who is overshadowed by a sign, it takes the same position as the reflection in the mirror. Accordingly, the movement in the prayer gesture should be directed so that the first shoulder is the right one.
How to properly cross another person if he is standing with his back? Just like yourself. Since the one being blessed is not opposite the one who performs the sign, that is, does not assume a mirror position, the direction of the movement of the hand should be familiar. Of course, the brush must be turned in the direction of the one who is being overshadowed by the sign of the cross.
