Eastern Christians make the Sign of the Cross differently than Western Christians, touching the forehead, chest, right shoulder, then left shoulder, often accompanied by a bow. History and Structure A Light from the East: Eastern Christianity (Part 1)
A strong tradition of fasting (abstaining from meat, fish, dairy during major fasts like Lent) and rigorous prayer is viewed as a way to focus on spiritual rather than material needs. eastern christianity
A foundational affirmation is calling Mary Theotokos ("Mother of God" or "Bogorodica"), affirming Christ’s divinity from conception. Eastern Christians make the Sign of the Cross