“Let us not be ashamed to confess the Crucified. Let the cross as our seal be boldly made with our fingers upon our brow, and on all occasions; over the bread we eat; over the cups we drink; in our comings and in our goings; before sleep; on lying down and rising up; when we are on the way and when we are still.” St. Cyril of Jerusalem (315-386 A.D.)

Orthodox Christians cross themselves whenever the Trinity is invoked, while venerating an icon, while receiving a blessing, as the censor passes over us, or any other time outside of formal worship that may seem appropriate or desirable to the individual. We begin at the forehead, down to the middle of the abdomen, then up to the right shoulder, and finally over to the left shoulder.