The answer
The Sign of the Cross is a concise summary of Christianity, with all of its doctrines and spirituality.
If we make the Sign of the Cross, we recall in an instant all of the meanings that are tied to the Cross with respect to Faith in God, the unity of His nature and the Three Hypostases, the Divinity of Christ, His Incarnation, His Crucifixion, His Redemption, His Resurrection, and all that pertains to these events with respect to quick salvific blessings.
To this, we add that we make the Sign of the Cross:
- 1. In order to demonstrate that we are followers of the Crucified Christ, for the Cross is the Sign of our Saviour.
- 2. As a proclamation of our Christian Faith, and our glory in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 3. As a confession of His beneficence in all of the spiritual blessings of the New Testament.
- 4. For other benefits, amongst which:
- ❖ The expulsion of the surrounding evil forces, for it is a terrifying Sign to the demons.
- ❖ The encouragement of the faithful in the face of trials and tribulations, which come against their Faith.
- ❖ A remedy against some sins, such as anger and lust.
- ❖ A power to put to an end the effects of nature that are in opposition to us, i.e. poison, sickness, or animals’ bites.
His Holiness Pope Tawadros II
Pope Tawadros II, My Faith: A Series of Dialogues on the Creed (Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate, 2014), 96–97.
The pages in the book (96–97)
