Where did the “cholera” custom of kissing priests’ hands come from?

Hieromonk Job (Gumerov) answers:

In biblical times, kissing was a common form of respectful greeting, especially kissing the hand. To do this, you had to bend over to the other person's hand, kiss it and run it across your forehead. Kissing as a symbol of love and respect was also perceived by early Christians: “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss” (1 Thess. 5:26).

Kissing the priest's hand, which occurs when he gives a cross or blesses, in contrast to a simple greeting, has a special spiritual and moral significance. Receiving grace from God through the cross or priestly blessing, a person mentally kisses the invisible right hand of God, which gives him this grace. At the same time, kissing the priest’s hand also expresses respect for the priesthood. Saint Nicholas (Velimirovich) wrote about this to the printer Yu.K.: “You joyfully kissed the hand of the former priest during the blessing, but kissing the hand of a priest who is much younger than you seems inconvenient to you. Don't you know the story about Prince Milos and the young priest? The story is this: one young priest served the liturgy in Kragujevac in the presence of Prince Milos. The old prince was very pious, he came to the temple long before the start of the service, until the end of the service he stood rooted to the spot and contritely prayed to God. When the young priest finished the service, he left the altar with a cross and an antidoron. The prince came up to venerate the cross and kiss the priest’s hand. But the young man withdrew his hand, as if ashamed that the elderly man, the prince, wanted to kiss his hand. Prince Milos looked at him and said: “Let me kiss your hand, for I am not kissing your hand, but your rank, which is older than me and you!” I think this explains everything. The old prince spoke words from the Holy Spirit Himself in the church. Think for yourself, if your priest is 25 years old, then his rank is 1900 years old. And when you kiss his hand, you are kissing the rank that has passed from the apostles of Christ to the many ministers of the altar of God. And when you kiss the priestly rank, you kiss all the great saints and spiritual fathers who have held this rank, starting from the apostles to this day. Kiss Saint Ignatius, Saint Nicholas, Saint Basil, Saint Sava, Saint Arsenius and many others who served as an adornment of the earth and became an adornment of heaven and who are called “earthly angels and heavenly people.” Kissing the hand of a priest is not an ordinary kiss, but, according to the words of the Apostle Paul, a holy kiss (cf. 1 Cor. 16:20). Without embarrassment, kiss the blessing hand and the office that is blessed by the Holy Spirit” (Missionary Letters, Letter 157).

October 23, 2008

The Russian Orthodox Church forbade parishioners to kiss the priest's hand, crucifix and chalice during communion

The Russian Orthodox Church has developed instructions for clergy of monasteries of the Moscow diocese in connection with the spread of coronavirus.
This was reported on the website of the Russian Orthodox Church. The new rules will remain in effect until the epidemiological situation changes for the better.

• After each parishioner receives communion, the spoon will be wiped with a cloth soaked in alcohol and then dipped in water. “Wash down” will be served individually in disposable containers.
• To distribute the antidor (part of the special liturgical bread), disposable hygienic gloves will be used. To “wip their lips,” everyone will be given paper napkins, which will then be burned. In addition, parishioners are now prohibited from kissing the communion cup.
• The sacrament of baptism will be performed only individually, with intermediate disinfection of the font with a disinfectant liquid.
• For anointing and anointing with oil, it is prescribed to use a cotton swab and a paper napkin, which will be burned after the procedure.
• After the liturgy, parishioners will not be presented with a cross to kiss. Instead, clergy are encouraged to place crucifixes on their heads. In addition, they were advised to refrain from offering their hands for kissing.

Social services of parishes, metochions and monasteries were instructed, whenever possible, to assist elderly parishioners in delivering food and essential goods to their homes.

Before the start of the work day, ministers in contact with parishioners must take their temperature. All employees must disinfect their hands every two hours and ensure frequent ventilation of churches and public areas. It is also prescribed to regularly treat the surfaces of public church furniture, door handles and icons touched by parishioners with disinfectant solutions.

The Russian Orthodox Church instructed to explain to parishioners that compliance with the imposed regulations and restrictions should be perceived as following the words of the Holy Scripture: “Do not tempt the Lord your God.” In addition, parishioners must be made aware that if symptoms of ARVI or other illnesses appear, they should “for the sake of love for their neighbors and care for them, refrain from visiting churches.”

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What is the meaning of this gesture

In most countries of the world, it is customary among intellectuals to kiss a woman’s hand. As a rule, men kiss the hand of older women and married ladies. This custom is most common in the West. In Germany and Austria, it is customary to do this only on the most solemn occasions. Among Poles, this is a generally accepted rule: a man greets and says goodbye to all women this way. Kissing a hand can only be done in a closed room; you cannot do this during lunch. At a dinner party, it is permissible to kiss only the hostess’s hand, which she should present low so that the man will lean towards her. Previously, kissing a woman's hand was considered a simple greeting. Now this action speaks more about a man’s manners towards a woman. In the time of our great-grandmothers, kissing the hand of a young girl was unacceptable. Never kissed a hand unless the woman took off her glove. In the old days, when intelligence and good manners reigned in society, this action was so widespread that they did not think much about its performance.

How to kiss your hand?

To look like an intelligent person and not show yourself from the worst uneducated side, you need to be able to kiss a woman’s hand correctly.

HOW TO KISS THE HAND CORRECTLY

First of all, remember the rule that you can kiss a woman’s hand only when she herself offers it to you for a kiss. There are, of course, situations when a woman is shy, and you want to take the initiative and kiss her hand, but you need to be sure that such an action will not cause the girl’s anger and the laughter of others.

If a woman offers her hand to a man, then do not pull her hand towards you before the kiss, but bend yourself to the level at which the woman gave you her hand for a kiss. Of course, there may be exceptions to the rule, such as if you are kissing your sister, or your status is higher than the woman's, but remember that reaching out to her hand may indicate that you are placing yourself above the woman.

Before kissing your hand, take it with your right hand, but so that the fingers of your hand rest freely on your palm. Don't squeeze her hand, don't shake her, don't hold her, just lightly hold her hand with your hand.

And most importantly, in order to kiss the hand correctly, you need to understand that, as such, the hand is not kissed. That is, it is not recommended to smack your lips, stretch your lips into a tube, or kiss in its entire sense. Instead of a kiss, just a light touch of the lips to the hand is performed.

As soon as the hand is kissed, you need to straighten up and wait until the lady herself removes her hand or, as a last resort, let go of the lady’s hand yourself. If a lady does not let go of your hand, then, as a rule, this means that she wants to tell you something or ask you.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN YOU KISS A HAND

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN YOU KISS A HAND - Don’t kiss a gloved hand, as this shows the lady’s disgust - Don’t kiss a lady’s wrist - Don’t wrap your hand or fingers around a woman’s hand, that is, don’t grab her - Don’t throw away a lady’s hand, let the lady do it herself remove your hand after kissing - Do not accept a lady’s hand with both hands

HOW TO CORRECTLY KISS THE HAND OF YOUR LOVED ONE

When it comes to kissing your girlfriend on the hand, kiss her however you want, especially if you are alone. But it is not recommended to kiss in the armpits and elbow area. When kissing your girlfriend's hand, you can kiss not only the hand, but the entire hand itself, and sometimes you can do a light biting.

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Why kiss the priest's hand?

Kissing a hand as such does not mean humiliation - it all depends on the feelings we experience. Negative feelings based on mistrust prohibit showing signs of respect that are usual on other occasions. Can we kiss mom's hand? There are many people who respect their parents and who, in a fit of feeling, are able to sincerely kiss their father’s hand to express their gratitude, respect and love. In the old days, when people were intelligent and well-mannered, they did this without thinking. Nowadays we are able to kiss our father's hand only if he is probably dying. If the example with the father seems completely unrealistic to the reader, it is probably not worth continuing reading. You just need to keep in mind that it is not necessary to kiss the priest’s hand. There are no such rules. This is a personal matter for everyone.

For those who have overcome the previous lines, we have something to say.

First of all, let us note that not everyone kisses the priest’s hand and not always. When do they usually kiss? After the end of the service, when believers, according to established tradition, approach the priest to kiss the cross - the instrument of our salvation

All other cases are unusual. However, even in ordinary cases, not everyone kisses the hand. Some kiss the cross and hand. Some are crosses and armbands, on which the cross is again embroidered. Some are just a cross. Why? Because it is unpleasant for a man to kiss a man’s hand (for a woman there is no such barrier) and additional motivation is needed for this. It is available, but only for believers. During the service, the priest symbolizes Christ. The cross in the hands of the priest symbolizes the Cross on which the Lord was crucified. By kissing the hand of a priest, a person is simply kissing the hand of Christ, who holds out the cross to us, that is, the hand of God, who offers us salvation. That's all.

Of course, there are cases of excess of feelings when we understand what this priest is doing for us, and we are not ashamed and want to kiss his hand. It is hardly possible to describe these feelings, they are so far from the mentality of an unbeliever. The closest analogy is gratitude.

We advise you to study Pictures and cards for the Day of the Archangel Michael

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The Russian Orthodox Church condemned holding Easter services with parishioners despite quarantine

Those who tried to get into churches for Easter services can be understood, said archpriest Dimitry, a representative of the synodal department of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, he did not support holding services with parishioners

The Russian Orthodox Church commented on the situation with Easter services. The head of the Office for Work with Public Organizations of the Synodal Department of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Dimitry, in an interview with RBC, said that in general he does not support holding public services during a pandemic.

“I don’t have a positive attitude towards the fact that these services took place, because I myself served in an empty church. We must think not only about ourselves, but also about everyone else,” the cleric said. At the same time, he noted that he understands those who tried to get to the Easter service in order to “share the Easter joy.”

Easter services in Russian cities. Photo report Photo gallery

The archpriest commented on the situation in the capital's Sofia Church on the island of Balchug, where, as the Baza Telegram channel wrote, despite all the restrictions, the Easter service was held. “Among the guests were the temple workers themselves, members of their families, and also various VIPs,” wrote Baza. In particular, despite the self-isolation regime, actor Ivan Okhlobystin and his family took part in it. The actor later stated that he did not violate any restrictions and that he had permission to leave the house.

According to Archpriest Dimitri, all necessary epidemiological safety measures were taken in the church during the service. “I know this temple, it is a wonderful temple. And, as far as possible, it was organized. This yard can accommodate a thousand, but there were 50–70 people there. Believe me, this is just a drop from how many people actually come there,” he said.

Speaking about holding Easter services in other regions, he noted: “Honestly, not at the level of my court... Yes, probably some things were done imperfectly, but you see what’s going on all around.”

Perm police began checking after Easter service without masks Society

This year, the Russian Orthodox Church recommended that believers refrain from visiting churches on Easter due to the spread of coronavirus infection and limit themselves to watching the broadcast of the patriarchal service on central channels. However, it was possible to agree on the closure of churches to visiting parishioners only in 42 of the 85 regions of Russia. Services there were held without parishioners, only with the participation of clergy and volunteers.

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Blessing in the New Testament

Christ, who came to earth, did not abolish previous customs. He elevated and refined them, bringing them closer to the Heavenly ideal. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, He uttered strange words for those people about loving enemies and blessing offenders. Previously, it was customary to love and bless good people, relatives, and benefactors. Enemies were usually cursed. But Christ expanded the concept of love: we must bless those who offend, and not curse!

This was quite unusual for people of that time. And some therefore did not accept the words of Christ.

Until now, some people cannot comprehend this instruction about love and blessing those who curse, hate, and wish evil. But the Orthodox must embrace this and strive to fulfill it.

A special sign: why they kiss a hand and how to do it

The lady always controls her own hand: if she wants, she gives, if she doesn’t want, she doesn’t! Alena Gil talks about the nuances of etiquette on Vesti FM radio.

Guseva: Hello, Tatyana Guseva is at the microphone. Today in Polites we are looking into when, how and why to kiss a lady’s hand, and how appropriate this gesture is in modern social etiquette. The custom of kissing the hand is considered European. At all times, this gesture was a sign of special respect. Our regular expert, teacher-consultant, etiquette and protocol specialist Alena Gil, tells the story. Gil: In general, eating up the distance between partners - everything was very ritualized. And since a woman’s honor was above all, then just like that, so that a man could approach someone else’s lady and touch her there (well, unless he helped her), and there are known cases when our kings and queens died just because they didn’t The nobles had the right to approach and touch them. But there were some ritual events when it was possible to give a hand, in particular, say, the same kiss on the hand. By the way, let me remind you that young ladies’ hands were not kissed, unmarried ladies’ hands were not kissed, unless she became an old maid (well, in those days it was a very young age, but they had their own rules), you could only kiss the hand married lady. True, you know, if some very elderly duke wanted to break this rule in relation to a young lady, say, his granddaughter, then, naturally, he could express his disposition in this way, since he is a duke of senior status. And so, in principle, only married ladies’ hands were kissed. The rule said that the lady always controls her own hand, that is, if she wants, she gives this hand, if she doesn’t want, she doesn’t give it. Suppose there is some kind of secular option, well, let's take the historical one to make it easier

A young man (it doesn’t matter if it’s a man) enters, greets the lady again, and she returns his greeting. "Your Grace, good afternoon"

I say: “Good afternoon.” I can say: “I’m glad to see you, Count.” Or I can say: “I’m glad to see you, Count” and offer my hand for a kiss. For a modern person (well, for us this is a bit of a dying gesture, but nevertheless) this is not of particular significance, but rather a man will think about what to do with it. But in those days it was such a reward... That is, if I could simply say: “I’m very glad to see you, Count,” but I offered my hand in front of everyone, that is, I allowed him to get closer, showed that I trusted him, that I was disposed that I am sure that he is a decent and reliable person, I allow him to touch me (because a kiss on the hand, even a ritual one, is still an entrance to the intimate area, it is still a touch). So, when I demonstrate this in front of everyone, this is both a big part for the young man and, of course, information for everyone who saw it. And if I’m sitting, let’s say, different men come in as your guest, Tatyana. I remind you that a lady can almost always sit and answer a greeting while sitting, and she can even offer her hand for a kiss while sitting, unless the status of the person, the man who greets her, is not much higher than her. So, I can give a hand to someone, or not to someone, in the end it is my good will. But if I am the hostess of a reception (different eras, in different countries, but this rule existed), then the hostess, as a sign of her favor, offered her hand - to men for a kiss, to ladies for a handshake (it was a symbolic handshake, but nevertheless it was between the lady and lady). If there were guests, the rule was: either the lady offers her hand to everyone (well, for example, gentlemen for a kiss), or to no one. Because to give one person a hand... and, you know, when they go one after another, they still see what is happening. Guseva: Of course. Gil: Moreover, they are still watching what is happening. Guseva: They are watching this. Gil: Yes, absolutely right, because it is a non-verbal language. So, if I, for example, shook hands with one, gave my hand to another, and simply greeted a third one kindly, it means that the person—even the one to whom I didn’t shake hands—will immediately notice... Guseva: He may be offended. Guseva: Absolutely, and he will be absolutely right. And the person who follows him will say: “Yeah, it’s clear, Alena Viktorovna didn’t shake hands with this gentleman, which means she treats him badly.” But here, my friends, this is a situation that we call: “This cannot happen, because it can never happen.” Because if you agreed to be the mistress of the house, the rule says: to lure a person into your territory and humiliate him - this cannot happen, because it can never happen.

We advise you to study Prayers to Ambrose of Milan

Listen in full in audio version.

Why Father doesn’t let you kiss your hand, 6 reasons

The offended woman cannot understand: why does Father not allow her to kiss her hand? After all, this gesture should not be regarded as hypocrisy. I will give you the answer in the form of reasons.

Without wanting to offend anyone, I would like to remind you that the true Christian faith does not tolerate the condemnation of Father.

By going to Church, attending services, confessing and receiving communion, you invisibly communicate with the Lord God.

The priest, in this case, acts as an intermediary between you and holiness.

And now six reasons according to which Father does not allow you to kiss his hand.

* Have you ever thought about the fact that clergy also get sick?

Perhaps you were denied mercy so that your lips did not touch an infected (painful) area on the body?

* As a woman I know told me, Father sees his parishioners perfectly.

Some visit the Temple constantly, and he knows them by sight.

It is quite possible that Father did not condescend to offer his hand, seeing in you some kind of unpreparedness for the Orthodox Sacrament.

* Through God's temptation a blow is struck to your pride.

Like, how is it that Father didn’t let me kiss his hand! So, am I expelled from the Church?

And he paid decent attention to some decrepit old woman. Think about whether you are really proud

Think about whether you are really proud.

Next time, coming to the Temple without sorrowful thoughts, you will definitely cling to the hand of the righteous clergyman.

* Once again I repeat that I do not want to offend the readers of this page.

But there was one more incident that I witnessed.

The young man, seemingly decently dressed, was often distracted during the service.

Father noticed this, but, as you yourself understand, he continued his work.

When the young man’s turn came, it was immediately clear that he was so far from Orthodoxy that he simply copied all the movements of the parishioners.

The priest did not allow him to kiss his hand, carefully pulling it away from the approaching lips.

And there is nothing unclear here.

* One more reason answering the question posed.

All kinds of people go to church, including drunk people.

They may also be denied this grace, or even be required to leave the Temple.

* If Father did not immediately notice that you entered the Church with your head uncovered (this applies to women) or without a consecrated cross (this applies to everyone), you will be denied communion and confession, as well as the kiss of the hand, which is given, as you can see , not everyone.

The material was prepared by me, Edwin Vostryakovsky.

Modern attitudes of women towards kissing hands

Currently, the attitude towards this action has not only changed, but has acquired different attitudes among specific people. Some consider this to be the norm for themselves, for others it is unpleasant, for others it is generally humiliating. Kissing the hand is not humiliating, but it prohibits showing respect to a person towards whom negative feelings are experienced. And that's okay. Most likely, not a single modern woman will like it if all the men take turns kissing her hands. The same is true for men. It is unlikely that today a guy or a young man would even decide to do such an act, and it’s not even a matter of upbringing.

Many people consider it normal to kiss only the hand of the mother or father, or to passionately shower the hands of the beloved girl with kisses. But kissing the hands of strangers, even as a sign of decency and education, is a personal matter for every man. We can say that this looks strange in the modern world and does not fundamentally fit into the style of modern society. Of course, even now there are receptions, various ceremonies, and celebrations, but they are most often of a business nature. Think for yourself: isn’t it funny and absurd to kiss a business partner’s hand? This is an unnecessary detail left in the distant past.

Blessing of the Priest

The duties of modern priests, as in ancient times, include blessing the people. To do this, he folds his fingers in a special way so that his fingers depict the first and last letters of the name of Christ: IC XC.

Thus, the priest invokes the grace and love of Jesus Christ on people. Blessing can be general and personal. The General Benediction is taught in worship services. The priest turns to face the parishioners and blesses all the people. Usually at this time he says: “The blessing of the Lord is upon you, by His grace and love for mankind always now, ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".

This means that the priest calls upon people God’s blessing, Grace, the love of God at the moment and forever. Sometimes when blessing the priest he says: “peace to all.” This means that he wishes everyone peace of mind. When blessed by the priest, parishioners in the church should bow their heads reverently, accepting the blessing from Christ Himself, who is invisibly present during the service in the church.

A private blessing occurs when a person approaches a priest with a question or request. He should fold his palms one on top of the other in a cross shape, the right one on top of the left. Before this, it is advisable to bow to the priest. You can say: “Father, bless.”