Father Jeremiah explains some of the history behind the sign of the cross and why Anglicans use this strange hand movement. For more info on this you can see the following articles: www.newadvent.... anglicancompas...
Thank you, father for that lesson, my father passed when I was only 25. The last time I remember being at church with him was the first time I seen him, bend one knee and make the sign of the cross, while bowing his head before he sat down in the pew. I’ve never seen an Episcopalian do this before, I know he was a Christian in his youth and was a big part of our church St. Luke’s in Northeast Philadelphia, which our city was historically predominantly Anglican, but when I grew up almost all of my neighbors and friends were Catholic, as well as most of my family members i’ve had many discussions with him about the differences in denominational Christianity with a great thing about my father is he was human. He loved all and many loved him, and the words that he said to me, always stuck with me through my life.(nobody’s God is any better than anyone else’s.!! we are all human and love is what makes us such) I must admit I have not been religious in my life, but I always had a sense that Christ was with me with my father by his side.😢
I'm grateful for your thoughts. My condolences at the loss of your father so early in your adulthood. Kneeling and crossing oneself is not a widespread practice for Episcopalians or Anglicans in my experience. I've known a few, but not many take the moment to do so before entering the pew (many of these same will also do the same when they leave the pew to approach receiving communion). All of that wrapped up together is a beautiful picture of reverence toward the Lord. All of your words about your father are wonderful. I hope that thoughts of him will continue to influence your life and that you will continue to sense Christ and that you will be led by him into deep fellowship with his people. Blessings to you!
@@graceanglicangastonia9076 yes thank you for that father. My father’s family were descendent from a proper English family so maybe that’s where that tradition came from
great history lesson. In Catholicism the hand movement for the Sign of the Cross counts as the prayer but it is usually done along with speaking the words.
