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

Wearing hats in the US went out of fashion about the time that JFK was inaugurated (and wouldn't wear a hat or coat), so I've never experienced the "tip the hat" custom (but I have heard of it). What I was taught, and try to continue to do, is to say a short prayer or spiritual communion when I pass a church with Our Lord reserved.

On the highway, I try to do the same when espying a church in the distance.

I do it for cemeteries, ambulances, police vehicles, churches, and whenever I pass by a place I think needs prayer.

I Cross myself when passing any Catholic or Orthodox church and under various other circumstances where it just seems appropriate to offer a quick prayer. It is my custom to Cross myself when a funeral procession goes by or when I have occasion to be in a cemetery. Or if I see something terrible. Like a few years back, I worked near the DC police HQ when some wacky kid came in and shot up the folks in the cold case squad. I passed by while the victims (some of whom were dead) were being loaded in the ambulances. I Crossed myself and said a prayer. I had the same reaction when I saw the smoke pouring out of the Pentagon, walking across the bridge to VA on 9/11, and again when I saw the big gaping hole with the flag over it up closer and smelled the yukky burned out odor. Whenever a prayer is the right response, making the sign of the Cross is appropriate.

Oh, and I also run a 9/11 memorial race every year and many of us Cross ourselves when we pass the restored side of the Pentagon.

... and on a lighter note, I Cross myself when crossing the finish line at marathons. Because I'm happy.

If I could run a marathon, I'd do more than just cross myself, that's for sure!

I also was taught to make the sign of the cross when passing in front of a church or cemetary. I also say "Slave Isusu Christu!" at the church and "Vicnaja Pamjat!" at the cemetary. A sign of respect is due at both.

I wish we wold bring hats back. I have a felt fedora that I would love to start wearing on a regular basis again. They are just too cool! Look out, Elliot Ness!

Tim

Affirmative<
also when I ascend and descend the stairs!
No I am not afraid of falling but have an Icon of the Pantocrator there
Stephanos I

Tim:

So why don't you just do it? Why wait for the rest of the world? If you have the hat and like it, why worry about what others think?

I have a ratty old set of sweats that I wear to the gym. My wife keeps telling me I should worry about what people will think when they see me in the street. So what!! I'm going to the gym to sweat.

BOB

It's not that I'm afraid to wear it, I just don't get dressed up that much anymore. I always dress appropriately for church, but then I was always taught hats are for outside only. Besides, it's only the older churches (such as my home church in Windber, PA) that have the little clips for hats on the back of the pews!

Tim

ps--I think I need to get it cleaned too. Dry cleaners? I don't know if they have the appropriate resources these days to clean a fedora without destroying it.

I have several fedoras, two felt and three straw. I wear them towards church at times, then take them off when entering. I like some of the Edwardian style hats, but I only have the kind worn in America from the 1920s-1930s.

Some fedoras can be worn casually.

Terry

The gym sweats made me laugh. My husband has a ratty old t-shirt with a gigantic Croatia red and white checkerboard design on it - you know - but down south people assume that it means he went to the University of Richmond (very similar to the Richmond heraldry, of course). Eek. He also has another ratty old one that says Steelton Tamburitza Lovers. It appears to be a lie, however, as I have never known him to listen to tamburitza music.

I say if someone wants to wear a fedora, wear it. I have one designed for hiking. You can crush it, it provides decent protection from the sun, and it has survived numerous cleanings.

Tim & Terry:

Why don't you just wear the hat? I've seen people who've got a dressy hat on with blue jeans. Man, make your own style.

I think we're getting off track here. Let's get back to the Sign of the Cross.

BOB

You're right, we are getting off track. But sometimes the free flow of ideas is a great thing and quite entertaining! So I will combine the two--I have a straw hat for summer and from now on when I put that or the Fedora on, I'll make the sign of the cross first!

Timbo

Timbo:

I've got a hat that my wife and children insist they will not be seen with me if I wear it. It's a hat I found on the internet that looks like an Australian model: you can fold up the sides; it's got a draw cord under the chin. I bought it to wear to the beach because I can't stand too much sun. Well, I still wear it.

BOB