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still, as a model of the style of this teaching, the cate
chetical instructions of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem in the
fourth century.
The EXAMINATION of the candidates IN THE FAITH
consisted in questioning each one as to what be or she
believed. The catechumens, being as yet unable to
answer, the god-fathers or god-mothers did so in their
name. Then followed the BREATHING ON THE FACE
of the person to be baptized, the tracing of the sign of
the Cross in each one s forehead, and the first exorcism
of the devil under whose dominion all men are born.
By the tracing of the SIGN OF THE CROSS, the priest in
the name of Jesus Christ takes possession of the soul
for the first time. The extending of the priest s hand
and the recital of a prayer called exorcism are a clear
explanation of the two preceding acts. In the ancient
documents the prayer is called
"
Prayer by which a can
Afterwards
didate for Baptism becomes a catechumen ".
the priest exorcised and blessed the salt, laying a pinch
of it on the catechumen s lips. We learn from the
words used by the priest in doing this that the salt is
symbolic of the wisdom which is necessary for the un
derstanding and practice of the precepts of salvation.
to the catechumens
Finally the priest gave his blessing
who were now designated as the ELECT (electi), and they
went to the places assigned to them at the entrance to
the basilica.
From these places at the end of the church, they
heard the prayers said by the priest at the foot of
the altar. After the Collect and before the Lessons, a
deacon pronounced these words
"
let the catechumens
at which they all rose and again advanced
approach ",
to the altar, men and women taking their places to the
right and to the left, as before. Here they awaited the
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