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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marjorie Greene" <[log in to unmask]> > Good question. The ring finger is visible and folded back; the thumb alone is invisible and I'm assuming the ring finger is forming a "ring" (or an O) with the thumb. Otherwise the thumb would be visible. However, the thumb may be just folded back. > MG It is true that on some icons one may see the ring finger and the thumb joining to form an O, but this is, so I believe, a mistake by iconographers not so well acquainted with the IC XC sign. The thumb should be placed across the ring finger to form an X. As to the antiquity of this use of the IC XC blessing by bishops and priests? Has anyone examined icons from the 6th century onwards to see how the saintly clerics depicted are holding the fingers of their right hands? When does this digital configuration first appear in iconography? There is a clear depiction of it here http://www.st-george-church.org/How2GreetPriest.htm Fr Ambrose __________________________ ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html