Handmaiden50 wrote:I'm just curious ~ I was recently at a class at church and, when we ended, Father prayed a blessing over us. As Father was still in the midst of praying I noticed someone cross themselves 3 times. (This is a Greek parish) I waited until Father was finished praying before crossing myself once. Does the matter of crossing oneself vary from individual to individual (when to, the number of times, etc.) and is according to one's personal piety?
In your circumstance, it was outside of church services. My view on that is that when a priest starts his prayer, he always starts with...in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Whenever this is said, we should cross ourselves. We always cross ourselves for the Holy Trinity. In general, for laymen, like personal prayers or group prayers, it's good to cross ourselves at the beginning and at the end. You can cross yourself at the end of the priest's prayer too. I just think it makes it completed. I also want to add that I cross myself before I eat and when I'm finished. Although, I have to confess that I tend to forget to do it at the end. Mental note to self...don't forget to cross myself afterwards.
As well, I do the sign of the cross over my plate of food and whatever I'm drinking. But, if the priest blesses the meal then I don't have to cross my food and drink. When we have a meal at my parish, my priest always ends with: Angelas za trapeza. Which basically means: Angels to the table. He invites the angels to be present with us.
