How to make prostrations.
Prostrations are less awkward and less physically taxing if made in the following manner.
It takes very little practice to master this technique, which requires surprisingly little physical stamina. After making the sign of the Cross, the knees are kept straight while the upper body bends from the waist, and the right hand is extended toward the ground as far as possible. At other times a simple bow of the head is called for, as, for example, when the priest blesses or when the chalice is brought out. We also make a simple bow with the sign of the Cross whenever we cross in front of the Royal Doors. In venerating an icon, we make the sign of the Cross with a metanoia twice, then kiss the icon, and once more make the sign of the Cross with a metanoia.