Millions of Christians around the world use the sign of the Cross?and have done so for centuries?as a gesture of blessing. It is practiced when alone, during worship, before sleep, upon waking, before eating, before travel, and many other times throughout one's day. But what does it mean? How, when, and where did this simple movement of the hand originate? The sign of the Cross is literally a tracing of the Cross of Christ onto the body. By so doing, Christians invite the mystery of the Cross into their everyday lives. Now and for the first time, young Greek scholar Andreas Andreopoulos explains the tremendous meaning, mystery, and history of this dramatic gesture shared by all Christians everywhere. This readable account will fascinate all who desire to know more about the inherited spiritual practices of everyday life.