Why do Eastern Rite Catholics make the Sign of the Cross "Backwards?"

This question, "Why do Eastern Rite Catholics make the Sign of the Cross "Backwards?" is somewhat misleading. Perhaps a Catholic of one of the Eastern Rites might ask "Why do the Roman Rite Catholics make it backwards?" I first wondered about this while watching the 1994 Winter Olympics. Oksana Baiul was a figure skater representing Ukraine. Before she began her competition, she crossed herself. I noticed that she touched her forehead, chest, and her right shoulder, then her left. Because this seemed backwards to the way I had always crossed myself, I wondered why she did it this way. So, I researched it, and found the answer very interesting.

Many of the rituals we perform are like mini-catechcism lessons: They remind us of some part of the dogma of the Church. Making the Sign of the Cross is no exception, it reminds of of The Holy Trinity. The manner in which the Eastern Rites and the Orthodox Christians cross themselves adds to this basic lesson. Touching the right shoulder first is a reminder that Jesus sits at the right hand, of the Father, the most honored place in Heaven.

But as they say in all those annoying tv ads, "Wait, there's more!" We Roman Rite Catholics, when crossing ourselves, generally have our fingers straight and flat, but our Eastern brothers and sisters in faith hold their thumb and first two fingers together. This is another reminder of The Holy Trinity. The ring finger and pinky are curled together as a reminder of the Dual Natures of Christ, the human and Divine.

There you have it, a multi-layered Catechism lesson in a simple devotional ritual. I find that their way of making the Sign of the cross a delightful gesture, and even when I cross myself in the Roman way, I often think of the teachings about our faith that the Eastern way demonstrates.