www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Sign of the cross when passing a church

When I drive by an Orthodox or Greek Catholic church, I cross myself. Does anybody else do this?

Yep.

Alexis

It is standard tradition in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to make the sign of the cross when going past a Church, cemetary or hearing an ambulence going by.

This is something I have done for nearly 45 years. I was taught that this is correct behavior when passing by a Catholic or Orthodox church.

correct , by church , by cemetry, by road*s crosses , and little chapels near roadside
,old people when was thundering also was put cross on themselves /I do too :)/

Absolutely. Always have done this myself.

Timothy the catechumen

I do it and say a little prayer as well.

Sure, and cemeteries (we say vichnaja pamjat unless it's Pascha). Accident scene, fire engine, ambulance, etc. as well.

I make the sign of the Cross when an ambulance or a funeral procession passes.

My father taught me that a man should tip his hat when passing by a church. Granted that's a dated practice from when men wore hats all the time, but there are now so many wearing baseball caps, maybe it's time to reintroduce it.

We do.

Someone recently shared about being on a bus (transit system) and passing a Catholic or Orthodox Church many years ago. The men would be fussing up a storm about something, but in front of the Church they all became quiet, and took off their hats.

It used to be a Latin Catholic custom, too. My German grandfather/godfather taught me to do that when I was very young. Somehow I still cross myself three times whenever I pass a Catholic or Orthodox church or chapel. Antoher thing I've added to this practice is finding the location of each church or chapel in my home area so that I don't miss one.

Sadly, it seems to be something very few people are aware of or remember. My wife, who spent 16 years in Catholic schools doesn't do it--it's "outdated" dont' you know!?!

BOB

I still cross myself when I see or go past Catholic and Orthodox churches in honor of He who is the Eucharist, Jesus Christ!

-- John

What a wonderful custom! I'd never heard it before.

Slava ISUSU Khrystu !!!
Thats true , always man passing by church or little chapell or cemetries must take off his hat and little bow down his head
When walking on the street two men meet each other they also tip their hat with christian "Slava Isusu Khrestu"