According to church tradition, the pectoral cross should be consecrated in the church. The cross itself can be bought at any jewelry store. Consecrated crosses are sold in church shops. Orthodox Christians believe that the blessed cross protects against unclean forces.
Instructions
Step 1
Select the Orthodox church in which you want to consecrate the pectoral cross. All churches are open to believers from morning until late evening, Monday through Sunday. You can consecrate the cross at any time, but it is better to do it on weekdays, when there are fewer believers in the church. On a weekday, you can calmly talk with the priest.
Step 2
Entering the temple, cross yourself three times and ask any church official to invite a priest. There should always be a priest on duty in the church. Any priest or bishop can consecrate a pectoral cross.
Step 3
Ask for blessing from the priest and tell him about your request.
Step 4
Pay the fee near the candle box for the consecration of the cross. A pectoral cross can be given for consecration together with a chain. As a rule, it is placed on a special tray, which the priest takes to the altar. It is important to remember that the pectoral cross must be of an Orthodox pattern. A cross that does not correspond to Orthodox canons simply will not be taken from you for consecration.
Step 5
Pray and light a candle in the church in front of the icon of the Lord or the Mother of God. Try to distract yourself from everything earthly and devote all your attention to prayers. At this time, the priest reads special prayers in the altar, in which he asks God to consecrate the cross. During prayer, the priest sprinkles holy water on his pectoral cross in a cruciform manner.
Step 6
Put the cross on yourself immediately when, after the ceremony of consecration, the priest takes the tray with your cross out of the altar and gives it to you. An Orthodox Christian must be in church with a cross on himself. If you have any questions about the pectoral cross, ask the priest about it. After all this, thank the priest and ask for his blessing.
Step 7
Treat the consecrated cross with care. Remember that the pectoral cross is a symbol of your faith in God. According to the priests, the broken cross should be taken to the temple. Do not discard the cross under any circumstances.
