крестное знамение
The phrase "the sign of the cross" in Russian is крестное знамение.
The term крестное знамение is the standard theological and formal term used in Orthodox Christian contexts to refer to the act of making the sign of the cross.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective крестное (cross-related) and the noun знамение (sign/omen).
Did you know?
- In Russia, making крестное знамение involves touching the forehead, chest, right shoulder, and then left shoulder, which is the opposite direction of the Western Catholic tradition.
- Historically, the way one performs крестное знамение was a central point of conflict during the 17th-century Schism in the Russian Orthodox Church.
- A Russian might use the phrase перекреститься figuratively to mean they are shocked or doubting someone's words, similar to saying 'God forbid'.
Examples in context
- Она совершила крестное знамение.Ona sovershila krestnoye znameniye.She made the sign of the cross.
- Крестное знамение это важный обряд.Krestnoye znameniye eto vazhnyy obryad.The sign of the cross is an important rite.
Example conversation
Maria is explaining a religious tradition to Alexander.
- Александр AleksandrМария, что ты делаешь?Mariya, chto ty delayesh'?Maria, what are you doing?
- Мария MariaЯ совершаю крестное знамение.Ya sovershayu krestnoye znameniye.I am making the sign of the cross.
- Александр AleksandrЭто помогает тебе успокоиться?Eto pomogayet tebe uspokoit'sya?Does it help you to calm down?
- Мария MariaДа, Александр, это приносит мир.Da, Aleksandr, eto prinosit mir.Yes, Alexander, it brings peace.
