The Fathers say that those who do not make the sign of the Cross before and after eating resemble animals

 The Fathers say that those who do not make the sign of the Cross before and after eating resemble animals. There have been many people who, by saying a prayer before consuming food that was spoiled or poisoned, suffered absolutely no ill effects! Because they made the sign of the Cross with faith, the Grace of the Holy Spirit acted upon that food, rendering it edible and harmless!

However, when one fails to make the sign of the Cross before eating, even wholesome food can cause harm, for a demon may be lurking within the substance of the food itself! Demons have the power to enter into matter—especially water—which is why we should make the sign of the Cross before drinking water.

Everything we consume—whether food or drink—should be sealed by us with the sign of the Cross. This is why people in the past were stronger in body and mind; they possessed greater faith and made the sign of the Cross during every aspect of their lives, especially before eating and drinking.

Elder Ephraim of the Skete of Saint Andrew