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Author Topic: Finger blessings  (Read 8344 times)

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Offline Strelets

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Finger blessings
« on: October 18, 2004, 04:58:37 PM »
This one's about five hundred years overdue.
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"The creed is very simple, and here is what it is: to believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more courageous, and more perfect than Christ; and there not only isn't, but I tell myself with a jealous love, there cannot be." ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Offline Strelets

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #1 on: October 18, 2004, 08:38:19 PM »
Ok, it looks like I accidently hid the poll results.  Anyone know how to unhide them?
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"The creed is very simple, and here is what it is: to believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more courageous, and more perfect than Christ; and there not only isn't, but I tell myself with a jealous love, there cannot be." ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Offline NickolaiOJ

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2004, 11:23:19 AM »
I don't even know what you're talking about.  Could you explain the finger blessing please?
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Offline Robert

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2004, 11:39:15 AM »
The one finger salute perhaps?

R
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Offline Strelets

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2004, 11:39:56 AM »
Prior to the Nikonian reforms several hundred years ago, Russian priests performed the finger blessing with two fingers [see image below].  Afterwards, it was changed to three fingers.  This, among other liturgical and service book changes, led to the Old Believers splitting from the MP.

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"The creed is very simple, and here is what it is: to believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more courageous, and more perfect than Christ; and there not only isn't, but I tell myself with a jealous love, there cannot be." ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Offline MsGuided

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2004, 11:48:51 AM »
I thought the blessing was to have the fingers arranged in such a way as to "spell" out ICXC.  Who is it that does these blessings differently?  And what is the significance behind them (the different forms)?
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Offline Strelets

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2004, 12:59:59 PM »
The Old Believers continue with the old two-finger form.  The significance of the two fingers was to emphasize the humanity and divinity of Christ.  Then the three-finger change came along with the new ICXC interpretation, and I also think [correct me if I'm wrong, someone] the three fingers symbolize the Trinity.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2004, 01:00:32 PM by Strelets »
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"The creed is very simple, and here is what it is: to believe that there is nothing more beautiful, more courageous, and more perfect than Christ; and there not only isn't, but I tell myself with a jealous love, there cannot be." ~ Fyodor Dostoevsky

Offline Αριστοκλής

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #7 on: October 26, 2004, 01:10:14 PM »
Quote from: Strelets on October 26, 2004, 12:59:59 PM
The Old Believers continue with the old two-finger form.  The significance of the two fingers was to emphasize the humanity and divinity of Christ.  Then the three-finger change came along with the new ICXC interpretation, and I also think [correct me if I'm wrong, someone] the three fingers symbolize the Trinity.
Yes, the three fingers for the Trinity; the two held in the palm for the 'humanity and divinity' Of Christ.

I know time has passed - seems much ado about nothing as an issue. :-

Demetri
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Offline TomS

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #8 on: October 26, 2004, 01:21:06 PM »
Yes, pretty silly. In the same vein of how to make the sign of the cross.
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Offline Keble

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #9 on: October 26, 2004, 03:41:32 PM »
You forgot an entry for "Be glad they cross themselves at all."
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Offline NickolaiOJ

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #10 on: October 26, 2004, 07:22:53 PM »
Quote from: TomΣ on October 26, 2004, 01:21:06 PM
Yes, pretty silly. In the same vein of how to make the sign of the cross.

When you say that it's "In the same vein of how to make the sign of the cross" are you implying that it doesn't matter how we sign ourselves?

Cause if you are, St. John Chrysostom would not agree with you.  He's the one that says "the demons rejoice in this frantic waving."  when speaking of signing incorrectly, or in a hurry.
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Offline TomS

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #11 on: October 26, 2004, 08:24:34 PM »
Quote from: NickolaiOJ on October 26, 2004, 07:22:53 PM
When you say that it's "In the same vein of how to make the sign of the cross" are you implying that it doesn't matter how we sign ourselves?

Yes. That is exactly what I am saying.

Quote from: NickolaiOJ on October 26, 2004, 07:22:53 PM
Cause if you are, St. John Chrysostom would not agree with you.

That's okay, I don't expect everyone to agree with me.
« Last Edit: October 26, 2004, 08:26:00 PM by Tom+ú »
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Offline Rho

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Re:Finger blessings
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2004, 07:43:37 AM »
--- The one finger salute perhaps?

>>Oh, I was SO going to say that! ;D
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