The Early Church Fathers on the Holy Eucharist

By Fr. Vasyl Chepelskyy. Provided by the Metropolitan Office of Religious Education

Christ nourishes us with His Body and Blood in the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist, helping us to mature in His image and grow in His likeness (cf. John, 6:51-58, Luke, 22:19-20, Mark, 14:22-25, Matthew, 26:26-29).  The Greek word eucharistia means “thanksgiving.”  There are countless references of the Early Church Fathers to this Sacrament.

“It is called Mystery, because what we believe is not the same as what we see; one thing we see and another we believe.  For such is the nature of mysteries.” – St. John Chrysostom 

 “I have no taste for corruptible food nor for the pleasures of this life.  I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, who was of the seed of David; and for drink I desire His blood, which is love incorruptible.” – St. Ignatius of Antioch

 “What seems bread is not bread, though by bread taste; but the Body of Christ.  What seems wine is not wine, though the taste will have it so; but the blood of Christ.” – St. Cyril of Jerusalem

“In this very Sacrament, our people are shown to be one.  Just as many grains, collected and ground and mixed together, make one bread, so in Christ, who is heavenly bread, we may know that there is one body, with which our number is joined and united.” – St. Cyprian of Carthage

“In our fragmented lives, the Lord comes to meet us with a loving ‘fragility,’ which is the Eucharist,” says Pope Francis, calling it “the memorial of God’s love.” “The Eucharist encourages us, even on the roughest road, we are not alone; the Lord does not forget us and whenever we turn to him, he restores us with his love,” – states the Holy Father.*

The Eucharist is the source of Christian life.  It is the real presence of Christ, who comes to our hearts and lives and dwells within us each time we receive this Holy Mystery.  Eucharist brings wholeness to our fragmented lives, it heals and restores us.  It connects us with God in a very intimate and profound way.

In today’s society where we are always in a rush and have so much going on and where it is hard to stop and reflect let us find moments to be thankful to God for His gifts and love for us.  Let us especially be thankful to Him for His gift of Himself in this Holy Mystery.  May our whole lives become thanksgiving and may God continue to guide us on the way of our lives.

* Pope Francis’ homily during the Mass for the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (‘Corpus Christi’), celebrated Sunday, June 18, 2017 at 7p.m. in the square in front of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

 

Death of Fr. Mel Rybarczyk

 

Our beloved former pastor, Father Mel Rybarczyk, CR, (79) a Priest of the Congregation of the Resurrection died in Chicago on November 5, 2020.  Fr. Mel professed vows in the Congregation of the Resurrection on January 6, 1961 and was ordained a Priest on April 12, 1969.  He taught at Gordon Tech High School from 1969-1977.  He also taught at Archbishop Weber High School 1977-1981.  For many years, he worked in parishes in Southern California.  St. Joseph, Fontana, C-A, St. Nicholas Byzantine Church, Fontana, CA,  Holy Angels Byzantine Church, San Diego, CA and Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine, Sherman Oaks, CA.  From 1990-1994 he was Superior of the Roman House of the Congregation of the Resurrection.

 

A wake will be held at 9:00 AM followed by the funeral Mass at 10:00AM on Wednesday, November 11, at St. Hedwig Church, 2226 N. Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-3310.

 

Donations are welcomed in Fr. Mel’s name to the Senior Religious Fund of the Congregation of the Resurrection, 3601 N. California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

 

Philip’s Fast/ John Chrysostom

Philip’s Fast

A 40 day fast in preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord begins, the day after the feast of the Apostle Philip, November 15th. These 40 days are a season of penance, meaning that we intensify our prayer, fasting and almsgiving to better celebrate the feast of Christmas. If we spend these 40 days receiving and integrating the discipline that Our Lord leads us in, then we will better understand and be able to participate in the great Mystery of Christ’s Incarnation (becoming a human). Father Michael will be sending out more practical resources through the parish email. 

Saint Stories for Children

Venerable John Chrysostom (CHRIS-sus-tum), Archbishop of Constantinople

Commemorated November 13th

Chrysostom is not Saint John’s last name, but rather means “golden mouthed” in Greek. He was given this nickname because when he preached and taught his words were so beautiful that his hearers thought they were precious like gold. His father died shortly after he was born and he was raised by a very holy single mother. When his mother died he became a monk. He was very good friends with Saint Basil the Great, and he plotted to have Basil made a bishop; then later become the Archbishop of Constantinople himself. He wrote many books and homilies, and even wrote the prayers that the priest prays during the Divine Liturgy that we celebrate most Sundays. His friend Basil wrote the prayers that the priest prays on the Sundays of the Great Fast and the vigils of feasts. Saint John Chrysostom preached what Jesus asked him to preach even if it was hard for some people to hear. A couple homilies that he preached angered the empress so much that she had him sent out of the city and away from his beloved people. The day this happened, God sent an earthquake that scared the empress so much that she brought him back. She sent him away again later though, because he continued to preached the truth, and she thought that she was better than the truth. Saint John Chrysostom died during this second exile. His last words were “Glory to God for all things!” 

Venerable John Chrysostom, intercede before the throne of God to save our souls! 

Sunday Bulletin 11/08/20

23rd Sunday after Pentecost / Archangel Michael & All Angels

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Nov. 08  –  23rd Sunday after Pentecost ? Archangel Michael and all Angels          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 09       

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Nov. 11  (Veteran’s Day) 

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Thursday, Nov. 12     

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Friday, Nov. 13          

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Saturday, Nov. 14      

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 15  –  24th Sunday after Pentecost       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $3,595.00; Candles: $29.93; Church Improvements: $100.00; Online: $75.00; Gift Shop: $35.00

Total: $3,834.93 / Attendance 40

 

Father Melvin Rybarczyk

Our beloved former pastor, Fr. Mel, fell asleep in the Lord this past Thursday, November 5th. May his memory be eternal!

 

Online Byzantine Educational Opportunities:

Check your email for information about a couple upcoming online Byzantine Catholic educational opportunities!  

-God With Us Online/ Crowned with Glory

-Online Byzantine Catholic Convention

-Lumen Christi/ Quo Vadis Series

Philip’s Fast

A forty day fast in preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord begins, the day after the feast of the Apostle Philip, November 15th.  These forty days are a season of penance, meaning that we intensify our prayer, fasting and almsgiving to better celebrate the feast of Christmas.  If we spend these forty days receiving and integrating the discipline that Our Lord leads us in, then we will better understand and be able to participate in the great Mystery of Christ’s Incarnation (becoming a human).  Father Michael will send out more practical resources through the parish email.  

Saint Stories for Children

Venerable John Chrysostom (CHRIS-sus-tum), Archbishop of Constantinople

Commemorated November 13th

Chrysostom is not Saint John’s last name, but rather means, “golden mouthed” in Greek.  He was given this nickname because when he preached and taught his words were so beautiful that his hearers thought they were precious like gold.  His father died shortly after he was born, and he was raised by a very holy single mother.  When his mother died, he became a monk.  He was very good friends with Saint Basil the Great, and he plotted to have Basil made a bishop; then later become the Archbishop of Constantinople himself.  He wrote many books and homilies, and even wrote the prayers that the priest prays during the Divine Liturgy that we celebrate most Sundays.  His friend Basil wrote the prayers that the priest prays on the Sundays of the Great Fast and the vigils of feasts.  

Saint John Chrysostom preached what Jesus asked him to preach even if it was hard for some people to hear.  A couple homilies that he preached angered the empress so much that she had him sent out of the city and away from his beloved people.  The day this happened, God sent an earthquake that scared the empress so much that she brought him back.  She sent him away again later though, because he continued to preach the truth, and she thought that she was better than the truth.  Saint John Chrysostom died during this second exile.  His last words were “Glory to God for all things!”  

Venerable John Chrysostom, intercede before the throne of God to save our souls! 

Sunday Bulletin 11/01/20

22nd Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Nov. 01 – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Nov. 02       

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Nov. 04  

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Thursday, Nov. 05     

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

12:10 PM        6th Hour Prayer

Friday, Nov. 06          

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Saturday, Nov. 07      

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 08 – Archangel Michael & all angels        

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $864.67; Candles: $89.00; Medical Insurance: $10.00; Online: $75.00; Holy Days: $50.00

Total: $1,103.67 / Attendance 84

Oldest Liturgical Prayer

The “O Joyful Light” is the oldest non-scriptural liturgical prayer still prayed today.  It was composed in the 3rd Century.  It is prayed at Vespers just before the sun goes down, and at the conclusion of the lighting of the candles in the church.    

“O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father Immortal, the heavenly, holy, blessed One, O Jesus Christ, now that we have reached the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we sing to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody to you, O Son of God, the Giver of Life.  Therefore, the universe sings your glory.”

Saint Stories for Children

33 Martyrs of Miletene (MILL-i-teen) – Commemorated November 7th.

The Holy Martyr Hieron (HI-ur-on) lived in Cappadocia (cap-i-DOS-ee-a) about 300 years after Jesus was born.  Cappadocia is in the eastern part of modern day Turkey.  He lived in a time when being a Christian was illegal, and many people were killed for believing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were the only true God.  

Hieron was very strong and so some of those who were attacking Christians tried to convince him to join their army.  When he refused to join an army that was killing his fellow believers, they tried to capture him, but he fought off every single one of them and they ran away embarrassed.  Hieron then, along with some of his fellow Christians, hid in a cave.  His enemies refused to attack him in the cave because they were too afraid of being embarrassed again.  

Hieron was eventually convinced by a friend to leave the cave and accept a way of suffering similar to Christ’s.  He also had a dream that he was going to be killed for refusing to break the Commandment “You shall have no other god’s besides Me”.  He and 32 other Christians were killed in the city of Miletene that day.

Oldest Liturgical Prayer/ Children’s Synaxarion

Oldest Liturgical Prayer

The “O Joyful Light” is the oldest non-scriptural liturgical prayer still prayed today.  It was composed in the 3rd Century.  It is prayed at Vespers just before the sun goes down, and at the conclusion of the lighting of the candles in the church.    

-“O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father Immortal, the heavenly, holy, blessed One, O Jesus Christ, now that we have reached the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we sing to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  It is fitting at all times to raise a song of praise in measured melody to you, O Son of God, the Giver of Life.  Therefore, the universe sings your glory.”

Saint Stories for Children

33 Martyrs of Miletene (MILL-i-teen) – Commemorated November 7th.

The Holy Martyr Hieron (HI-ur-on) lived in Cappadocia (cap-i-DOS-ee-a) about 300 years after Jesus was born.  Cappadocia is in the eastern part of modern day Turkey.  He lived in a time when being a Christian was illegal, and many people were killed for believing that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were the only true God. 

Hieron was very strong and so some of those who were attacking Christians tried to convince him to join their army.  When he refused to join an army that was killing his fellow believers, they tried to capture him, but he fought off every single one of them and they ran away embarrassed.  Hieron then, along with some of his fellow Christians, hid in a cave.  His enemies refused to attack him in the cave because they were too afraid of being embarrassed again. 

Hieron was eventually convinced by a friend to leave the cave and accept a way of suffering similar to Christ’s.  He also had a dream that he was going to be killed for refusing to break the Commandment “You shall have no other god’s besides Me”.  He and 32 other Christians were killed in the city of Miletene that day.

Meet Father Nathan Adams

Father Nathan was born in Simi Valley, California, July 15, 1982. Convinced of his
call to ministry, he pursued graduate studies in theology at Reformed Theological Seminary
and The Master Seminary. He eventually moved his family to the Midwest to enroll at
Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin, to train for the priesthood
in the Anglican Church. It was there he discovered his desire to enter the Catholic Church.
His long-held interest and study of the Church Fathers led him to seek out the monks of
Holy Resurrection Monastery, who also had moved to Wisconsin from California at about
the same time. Three months prior to his priestly ordination in the Anglican Church, Father
Nathan decided to embrace the Eastern Catholic faith.
He long believed God was calling him to full-time ministry, since he became a
Christian at age 16. After all he had experienced in his spiritual journey, his discernment to
the Eastern Catholic priesthood was clear to him. Both he and his wife, Ali, were received
into the Byzantine Catholic Church at Holy Resurrection Monastery in 2013. He petitioned
Bishop John Kudrick, then bishop of Parma, and was admitted to the Byzantine Catholic
Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh. He was ordained a priest on May 5,
2019. Father Nathan and Ali have five daughters. They have been assigned to the
Protocathedral for one year and will live in the rectory. Fr. Michael will move into the
guesthouse, and Fr. John will join him there once he is released from the hospital.
Read the full article/bio here.

Sunday Bulletin 10/25/20

21st Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Oct. 25 – 21st Sunday after Pentecost          

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct. 26        

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Oct. 28   

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Thursday, Oct. 29      

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

12:10 PM        6th Hour Prayer

Friday, Oct. 30           

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Saturday, Oct. 24       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Nov. 01 – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost       

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,010.00; Candles: $34.00; Medical Insurance: $1,575.00; Online: $275.00

Total: $2,894 / Attendance 84

 

Meet Father Nathan Adams

        Father Adams was born in Simi Valley, California, July 15, 1982. Convinced of his call to ministry, he pursued graduate studies in theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and The Master Seminary. He eventually moved his family to the Midwest to enroll at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Nashotah, Wisconsin, to train for the priesthood in the Anglican Church. It was there he discovered his desire to enter the Catholic Church. His long-held interest and study of the Church Fathers led him to seek out the monks of Holy Resurrection Monastery, who also had moved to Wisconsin from California at about the same time. Three months prior to his priestly ordination in the Anglican Church, Father Nathan decided to embrace the Eastern Catholic faith.

         He long believed God was calling him to full-time ministry, since he became a Christian at age 16. After all he had experienced in his spiritual journey, his discernment to the Eastern Catholic priesthood was clear to him. Both he and his wife, Ali, were received into the Byzantine Catholic Church at Holy Resurrection Monastery in 2013. He petitioned Bishop John Kudrick, then bishop of Parma, and was admitted to the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh. He was ordained a priest on May 5, 2019. Father Nathan and Ali have five daughters. They have been assigned to the Protocathedral for one year and will live in the rectory. Fr. Michael will move into the guesthouse, and Fr. John will join him there once he is released from the hospital.    

Read more about Fr. Nathan: https://parma.org/news/new-parma-priest-says-ordination-is-fulfillment-of-long-held-desire

 

Are you getting Fr. Michael’s weekly emails?

Fr. Michael sends out the Sunday bulletin and other important announcements each week via email. If you don’t already receive them and want to, email admin@byzantinela.com to be added to the email list. You can reach Fr. Michael directly by emailing: pastor@byzantinela.com. And if you haven’t already, check out our new parish website: Byzantinela.com

 

Sign of the Cross

The sign of the cross is one of the earliest Christian traditions.  We find very specific guidelines for its use dating back to the 2nd century (Hippolytus of Rome “Apostolic Tradition”), but it was obviously used before the guidelines were set down.  Over time the various Churches and Rites have developed slightly different forms of making the sign of the cross.

Here are some guidelines given by our Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church (Ordo Celebrationis):

-There are 3 forms of the sign of the cross made during various rituals in the life of the faithful.

  1. A sign of the cross made without any sort of bow at the beginning and end of the reading of the gospel
  2. A sign of the cross while making a “small bow” (inclining the head and shoulders slightly) is the most common form of our sign of the cross.  We make this sign of the cross a) When the Persons of the Trinity are mentioned together b) at the beginning of a liturgical service c) when you receive a blessing from a priest or bishop d) The Trisagion (“Holy God, Holy and Mighty…) and other prayers that are repeated three times (usually marked with a “+” in the text) e) when you stand before an icon, cross or gospel (including when you first walk into the temple) f) when a personally reverenced saint or intention is referenced in a prayer or hymn g) any other time a sign of the cross is prescribed in the rubrics (liturgical guides).
  3. A sign of the cross while making a prostration is performed at specified times during the Great Fast (Lent) and during the Presanctified Divine Liturgy.  You may also make this sign of the cross during penitential private prayer. 

Our sign of the cross is made by touching the tips of the thumb, index and middle finger of your right hand (symbolizing the Holy Trinity) and tucking the ring and pinky finger into your palm (symbolizing Jesus’ two natures, Divine and human) then slowly and reverently touching your forehead while referencing the Father, your chest while reverencing the Son and then your right shoulder then left shoulder respectively while referencing the Holy Spirit.   

Sunday Bulletin 10/18/20

20th Sunday after Pentecost

WEEKLY LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sunday, Oct. 18 – 20th Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy

Monday, Oct. 19 – Joel, Prophet       

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Wednesday, Oct. 21  –  Hilary the Great, Venerable  

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Friday, Oct. 23  –  James, Apostle, Brother of the Lord         

7:30 AM          Morning Prayer

Saturday, Oct. 24  –  Arethas and Others, Martyrs       

8:30 AM          Morning Prayer

6:30 PM          Vespers

Sunday, Oct. 25 –  21st Sunday after Pentecost         

8:30 AM          Matins

9:30 AM          Divine Liturgy 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember the following people in your prayers: Estella Biedenbender,  Ken Bosak, Julie Carlin, Fletes Family: Alicia, Frankie, Layla, Lupita & Veronica, Victoria Flores, Larry Goodwin, Holly Garlow,  Michelle Grana, Virginia Harrington, Jeanne Hart, Michael Hefferon, Rob Hooper, Chris Johnson, Patricia Kurczak,  Irene Lehman, Elizabeth & John Mallas, Dylan Mancia, Toni Martin, Marg Mauro, Juan Gabriel Martinez, Pedro Medina, Mina family: Mila, Diana, Rev. John & Mike,  Shannon O’Neill, Tanya Petach, Casandra Porch, Nicholas, Rodriguez Diane Romano, Paul Saucedo, Kathleen Savko, Robert Stamer, Leanne Steuer, Mary Washko, Dina & Matthew Wiggins,  Carmen Zambrano, Lana Zimmerman, Patrick Zimmerman, Fr. Chris Zugger and all those who serve in the Armed Forces

 

WEEKLY DEPOSIT

Collection: $1,284.00; Candles: $23.00; Medical Insurance: $50.00; Online: $275.00

Total: $1,632 / Attendance 62

 

SIGN OF THE CROSS

The sign of the cross is one of the earliest Christian traditions.  We find very specific guidelines for its use dating back to the 2nd century (Hippolytus of Rome “Apostolic Tradition”), but it was obviously used before the guidelines were set down.  Over time the various Churches and Rites have developed slightly different forms of making the sign of the cross.

Here are some guidelines given by our Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church (Ordo Celebrationis):

-There are 3 forms of the sign of the cross made during various rituals in the life of the faithful.

  1. A sign of the cross made without any sort of bow at the beginning and end of the reading of the gospel
  2. A sign of the cross while making a “small bow” (inclining the head and shoulders slightly) is the most common form of our sign of the cross.  We make this sign of the cross a) When the Persons of the Trinity are mentioned together b) at the beginning of a liturgical service c) when you receive a blessing from a priest or bishop d) The Trisagion (“Holy God, Holy and Mighty…) and other prayers that are repeated three times (usually marked with a “+” in the text) e) when you stand before an icon, cross or gospel (including when you first walk into the temple) f) when a personally reverenced saint or intention is referenced in a prayer or hymn g) any other time a sign of the cross is prescribed in the rubrics (liturgical guides).
  3. A sign of the cross while making a prostration is performed at specified times during the Great Fast (Lent) and during the Presanctified Divine Liturgy.  You may also make this sign of the cross during penitential private prayer. 

Our sign of the cross is made by touching the tips of the thumb, index and middle finger of your right hand (symbolizing the Holy Trinity) and tucking the ring and pinky finger into your palm (symbolizing Jesus’ two natures, Divine and human) then slowly and reverently touching your forehead while referencing the Father, your chest while reverencing the Son and then your right shoulder then left shoulder respectively while referencing the Holy Spirit.