According to church tradition, the pectoral cross should be consecrated in the church. The cross itself can be bought at any jewelry store. In church shops, crosses are sold consecrated. Orthodox Christians believe that the consecrated cross protects from unclean forces.
Instruction manual
1
Choose the Orthodox church in which you want to consecrate the pectoral cross. All churches are open to believers from morning until late in the evening, from Monday to Sunday. The cross can be sanctified at any time, but it is better to do this on weekdays, when there are fewer believers in the church. On a weekday, you can calmly talk with priest.
2
Upon entering the temple, cross yourself three times and ask any church official to invite a priest. The priest on duty should always be in the temple. Any priest or bishop can consecrate the pectoral cross.
3
Ask for blessings from the priest and tell him about your request.
4
Pay a fee near the candle box for blessing the cross. A pectoral cross can be given for consecration along with a chain. As a rule, they put it on a special tray, which the priest takes to the altar. It is important to remember that the pectoral cross must be of the Orthodox type. A cross that does not correspond to the Orthodox canons will simply not be taken from you for consecration.
5
Pray and put a candle in the temple in front of the icon of the Lord or Mother of God. Try to distract from everything earthly and pay all attention to prayers. In the altar at this time, the priest reads special prayers in which he asks God to sanctify the cross. During prayer, the priest crosswise sprinkles the pectoral cross with holy water.
6
Immediately put the cross on yourself when, after the completion of the rite of consecration, the priest will take the tray with your cross from the altar and give it to you. The Orthodox Christian must be in the temple with a cross on himself. If you have any questions about the pectoral cross, ask the priest about it. After all this, thank the priest and ask him for blessings.
7
Take care of the consecrated cross. Remember that the pectoral cross is a symbol of your faith in God. According to the priests, a cross that has become unusable should be taken to the temple. In no case do not throw out the cross.
