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QUESTION:
What is the significance of the placement of the fingers of the right hand I notice in icons of Christ and certain saints?
ANSWER:
The fingers are arranged to form the following letters -- IC XC -- which are the first and last letters of "Jesus" and "Christ" in Greek.
Hence, the index finger points upward, forming an "I." The middle finger is curved to form a "C." The fourth finger crosses over the thumb to form an "X," while the little finger is curved in a manner similar to that of the middle finger, thereby forming another "C."
In Christ,
Father John Matusiak
OCA Communications Director
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Do you have a question on the Orthodox Faith, Christianity, or the Orthodox Church in America? Contact Fr. John Matusiak at info@oca.org |
