Question: Slava Isusu Christu! What is the correct finger position when making the sign of the cross? As an Eastern Orthodox can I use both finger positions? I'm referring to the two-finger and three-finger positions.
The answer of Fr Oleg Kovalenko:
Slava Isusu Christu! Both finger positions are correct.
The three-finger position (thumb, index, and middle finger joined together) symbolizes the Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The other two fingers, folded against the palm, represent the two natures of Christ – divine and human. In this way, the traditional three-finger method includes both key aspects of our faith: the Trinity and the Incarnation. Two-finger sign was used in pre-reform Russia to emphasize Christ’s dual nature. Both are theologically valid, although two-finger sign is not the norm in most Orthodox jurisdictions today.
In our churches, we sometimes see Roman Catholics who enter to pray. They also make the sign of the cross, though their gesture is a little different. This does not cause any contradiction for us – we believe in the same Christ, the same one God, and we read the same Gospel. We encounter Catholics often, for example, when visiting hospitals, and they sometimes even join in our molebens (prayer services).
In the Orthodox Church, unity in practice is valued, especially in the way we express our faith outwardly. That’s why most Orthodox jurisdictions teach and encourage the three-finger method – to preserve consistency, clarity, and shared identity within the Church.
While some historical finger positions (like the two-finger method used in earlier centuries or by Old Believers) still exist in tradition, it’s recommended, especially as an Eastern Orthodox Christian today, to follow the standard three-finger practice. It helps avoid confusion and visibly expresses our unity in faith and worship.
