Sign of the Cross

[MorEphrem]

I have a few opinion-related questions about the sign of the cross:
(1) Is there a normative/superlative manner of signing? Obviously it is known that there are multiple methods of signing (I can think of four) but do any carry more value than another in your opinion?

(2) Is it right for a priest to reprimand someone for signing with a different formula? I am of the opinion (as is Fr. Salim, author of Captivated by Your Teachings) that the Maronite Church should return to the proper Syriac manner of signing (as how I was taught to sign anyway) because of the theological implications. However, I was reprimanded in two very public settings (to say the least - one being the seat of our patriarchate) for “doing it the orthodox way.”

(3) What are the different significances of the different formulas in comparison to one another?

(I realize the sign of the cross is a general Catholic gesture but I found it relevant to EC particularly since the ECCs contain all variations).

 

[Polycarp1]

I have a few opinion-related questions about the sign of the cross:
(1) Is there a normative/superlative manner of signing? Obviously it is known that there are multiple methods of signing (I can think of four) but do any carry more value than another in your opinion?

(2) Is it right for a priest to reprimand someone for signing with a different formula? I am of the opinion (as is Fr. Salim, author of Captivated by Your Teachings) that the Maronite Church should return to the proper Syriac manner of signing (as how I was taught to sign anyway) because of the theological implications. However, I was reprimanded in two very public settings (to say the least - one being the seat of our patriarchate) for “doing it the orthodox way.”

(3) What are the different significances of the different formulas in comparison to one another?

(I realize the sign of the cross is a general Catholic gesture but I found it relevant to EC particularly since the ECCs contain all variations).

Actually I think they are doing it right traditionally and we in the west do it reversed as we mimiced the priests who were facing us. But either is okay.

 

[malphono]

I have a few opinion-related questions about the sign of the cross:
(1) Is there a normative/superlative manner of signing? Obviously it is known that there are multiple methods of signing (I can think of four) but do any carry more value than another in your opinion?

Right now, I can think of two major methods, each having several (minor) variations. But anyway, each is of equal significance within it’s own tradition.

(2) Is it right for a priest to reprimand someone for signing with a different formula? I am of the opinion (as is Fr. Salim, author of Captivated by Your Teachings) that the Maronite Church should return to the proper Syriac manner of signing (as how I was taught to sign anyway) because of the theological implications. However, I was reprimanded in two very public settings (to say the least - one being the seat of our patriarchate) for “doing it the orthodox way.”

Just for the sake of clarity in the forum, which way is that?

 

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[MorEphrem]

malphono:

Just for the sake of clarity in the forum, which way is that?

Basically the Byzantine signing formula (right hand - thumb and first two fingers together, ring and pinky bent) except you go left to right shoulder instead of right to left.

 

[malphono]

Basically the Byzantine signing formula (right hand - thumb and first two fingers together, ring and pinky bent) except you go left to right shoulder instead of right to left.

Thought so. That’s the way I learned as well.

 

[SyroMalankara]

Basically the Byzantine signing formula (right hand - thumb and first two fingers together, ring and pinky bent) except you go left to right shoulder instead of right to left.

That’s not the “Orthodox way”, it’s the [SIGN]CORRECT WAY[/SIGN] we Syro-Malankaras are taught the same!

 

[malphono]

That’s not the “Orthodox way”, it’s the [SIGN]CORRECT WAY[/SIGN] we Syro-Malankaras are taught the same!

I probably should say that among the Maronites, it’s a mixed bag. Some do it the “correct way” while others (and a larger number) do it with an “open hand” in the Latin way. It’s interesting, too, that there are some Melkites (known in Arabic as “children of the five”) who also use the “open hand” method, albeit from right-to-left.