The Sign of the Cross: The Gesture, the Mystery, the History

Explore the mystery of the ancient gesture that invites the Cross of Christ into our lives Millions of Christians around the world use the sign of the Cross--and have done so for centuries--as a gesture of blessing. It is practiced when alone, during worship, before sleep, upon waking, before eating, before travel, and many other times throughout the day. But, what does it mean? Where did it originate? What did the sign of the Cross mean to the first Christians, and how has this simple movement of the hand evolved over the centuries? The sign of the Cross is literally a tracing of the Cross of Christ onto the body. By so doing, Christians invite the mystery of the Cross into their everyday lives. Now and for the first time, young Greek scholar Andreas Andreopoulos explains the tremendous meaning, mystery, and history of this dramatic gesture shared by Christians worldwide. This readable account will fascinate and inspire all who desire to know more about the inherited spiritual practices of everyday life. Andreas Andreopoulos was born in Greece in 1966 and is recognized throughout the world as one of the most eloquent young scholars of Christianity. He earned his Ph.D. in theology at the University of Durham under Fr. Andrew Louth and has taught in Toronto, Montreal, and Philadelphia. He is currently Lecturer of Christian Theology at the University of Wales.

About the Author :
Andreas Andreopoulos was born in Greece in 1966. He earned his Ph.D. in theology at the University of Durham under Fr. Andrew Louth and has taught in Toronto, Montreal, and Philadelphia. He is the author of scholarly articles and books, and is currently Lecturer of Christian Theology at the University of Wales.

Review :
[A] sparkling little book on the most practiced nonverbal Christian prayer. . . . Andreopoulos's writing is as inspiring as a restorative benediction. Ray Olson Booklist January 1, 2007 A thoughtful reflection on the need for outward symbols of inner faith. Houston Chronicle An informative book that, in the space of less than two hundred pages, traces both the evolution of the manner of making the sign of the Cross and, equally important, the semiotics of its meaning. The history he outlines is fascinating. Commonweal Andreopoulos believes that the spirituality behind the sign of the cross is one of openness and community, of transforming the world and our actions. It's not a private devotional gesture so much as it's a recognition that our bodies and ourselves can become temples of the Spirit, arenas where God can change things for the better. National Catholic Reporter December 22, 2006 The book succeeds at translating the significance of the sign of the Cross into something personal and immediate. Especially poignant are the pages he devotes to his own understanding of the gesture, how he learned it from his grandfather, and what it means to him personally as an act of sanctification and reminder of the sacrifice of Christ and the mystery of the Trinity. . . . Although Andreopoulos writes from an Orthodox perspective, he presents the material in an ecumenical way, inspiring both churched and unchurched readers who wish to better understand the importance of the liturgical experience of the sign of the Cross. Publisher's Weekly December 11, 2006