How to be baptized in a church

In the Orthodox Church, there are two types of the sign of the Cross: two-toed and three-toed. Three folded fingers together are a symbol of the Holy Trinity.

In order to be baptized correctly, the hand that depicts the cross first touches the right shoulder, then the left.

For Christianity, these movements symbolize the opposition of the left side as the place of the dead and the right as the place of the saved. Thus, touching the hand first to the right, then to the left shoulder, the Christian considers himself to be the part of the saved and asks to save the part of the dead.

The double-faced cross sign was used in Russia until the time of the reform of Patriarch Nikon in the 17th century.

Today, there are several different options for how to get baptized:

First option. On the right hand, the ring and thumb are joined together, and the middle and index fingers are held together to indicate the 2 natures of Christ. The most common practice among Western Catholics.

The second option. They hold together the forefinger and thumb on their right hand, symbolizing the two natures of Christ.

The third option. They hold together the middle, thumb and forefinger on the right hand (symbolizing the Holy Trinity), and the little finger and ring finger (symbolizing the 2nd nature of Christ) are held closer to the palm. The most common practice among Eastern Catholics.

The fourth option. The right hand is kept fully open (the symbol of the five wounds of Christ), the fingers are together and slightly bent, and the thumb is pressed to the palm of the hand.

Direction of hand movement - from right to left. In the West, there is also the practice of the sign of the Cross, when they first touch the left, and then the right shoulder. This is symbolically explained by the fact that Christ translates believers from death and condemnations to salvation. Another version was that from right to left (Orthodox) - hide their hearts from the devil, and from left to right (Catholics) - open their hearts to God.