Catholic-Orthodox Differences In Prayer And Devotion

• Sign of the Cross, Kneeling, etc

The Orthodox make the sign of the cross from right to left. There are many theories as to why there is a difference, but no one really knows for sure. The Orthodox prostrate at certain services. This is on the floor, knees bent, and head bowed, much like Muslims do at prayer. Orthodox believers do a great deal of crossing and bowing within their worship. Individual expressions vary greatly, however.

• Icon Corners

Orthodox believers set aside a section of their home (a corner or wall, usually East-facing) as a sacred spot for prayer and reflection. This is called an icon corner, and it is adorned with icons of Christ, Mary, patron Saints, bibles, prayer books, vials of holy water, candles or oil lamps, and perhaps an incense burner. This part of the home is treated with reverence and kept uncluttered and clean, like a miniature chapel.

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