Blessing cross

The cross may also have other icons on it, such as the Theotokos (Mother of God), John the Baptist, the Four Evangelists or Prophets.

[1] In the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite, the hand cross is kept on the Holy Table (altar) and used at certain moments during the liturgy, most noticeably at the dismissal when he holds it in his right hand as he gives the final blessing.

At Pascha (Easter), the blessing cross may be attached to the Paschal troitza carried by the priest at the services during Bright Week.

[citation needed] It is common but not universal for Eastern Orthodox priests to hold a blessing cross while giving homilies.

[citation needed] In Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the clergy will often carry the blessing cross for a majority of the service.