Sign of the Cross Prayer in Several Languages

Origin, Importance and Use of the Prayer
The Sign of the Cross is an ancient Christian gesture and prayer, tracing its origins to the early centuries of Christianity, where it symbolized Christ’s crucifixion and the believer’s faith in the Holy Trinity. The practice varies between denominations: Catholics and Orthodox Christians typically make the sign with the right hand, starting from the forehead to the chest and then across the shoulders, while some Protestants either use a simpler version or forgo it altogether. It holds deep significance, as it serves both as a public declaration of faith and a gesture of invoking God’s protection and blessing.