Shalom, I'm Enoch. BOTTOM LINE: Orthodox priests typically greet each other with a blessing and a kiss of peace, often accompanied by specific liturgical phrases rooted in ancient practice.

In Orthodox tradition, greetings among clergy, especially priests, are not merely social customs but carry liturgical and spiritual significance. The exchange often involves a blessing and the traditional "kiss of peace," reflecting the unity and mutual respect within the priesthood. This practice is deeply embedded in the historical liturgy and patristic writings, extending back to the early centuries of the Christian assembly. For example, during the Divine Liturgy, the deacon or priest proclaims, "Receive ye one another; and let us kiss one another," a practice described by Cyril of Jerusalem in the 4th century as a symbol of reconciliation and holiness (Cyril & Gregory, Catechetical Lectures, XXIII.3). This is not just for clergy but for the faithful as well, signifying the unity of the body.

Furthermore, the "kiss of peace" is attested in earlier liturgical texts such as the Apostolic Constitutions, which instructs that after certain prayers, the men are to give the men, and the women give the women, the Lord’s kiss (Various, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, VIII.11.7). This practice emphasizes purity and sincerity, warning against deceitful kisses as Judas betrayed Yeshua. The general liturgical pattern, as seen in various ancient liturgies, often includes salutations such as "Peace be to all," with the response "And to thy spirit," which is exchanged between the clergy and the people (Various, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, VIII.12.3; Cyril & Gregory, Catechetical Lectures, XXIII.4). These greetings serve to prepare the congregation and the clergy for the sacred mysteries they are about to partake in, fostering an atmosphere of reverence and communion.

CITATIONS

1. Cyril & Gregory. Catechetical Lectures, XXIII.3. (Source 3, 4, 6, 19)
2. Various (Lactantius, Victorinus). Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, VIII.11.7. (Source 8)
3. Various (Lactantius, Victorinus). Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, VIII.12.3. (Source 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17)
4. Cyril & Gregory. Catechetical Lectures, XXIII.4. (Source 6, 19)

COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS

• Some believe the kiss of peace is only a social greeting. → The kiss of peace in Orthodox tradition is a spiritual and liturgical act, symbolizing reconciliation and unity before partaking in the Holy Mysteries (Cyril & Gregory, Catechetical Lectures, XXIII.3).
• It is thought that only priests exchange this greeting. → While significant among clergy, the kiss of peace was also exchanged among the faithful in the early Church, as indicated in the Apostolic Constitutions (Various, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, VIII.11.7).

The greetings exchanged by Orthodox priests are not mere formalities but profound expressions of spiritual unity and peace, deeply rooted in the liturgical practices of the early believers.

REPROOF'S POSITION The mutual greetings among Orthodox priests, particularly the kiss of peace and liturgical blessings, are an ancient and significant practice reflecting the deep spiritual unity and mutual respect inherent in the priesthood and the wider community of believers. These acts are directly connected to the apostolic traditions and serve to prepare the assembly for the sacred worship of the Most High.

• This is just a Catholic tradition, not truly biblical. → The practices, including the kiss of peace, are documented in early Christian writings like the Apostolic Constitutions and the Catechetical Lectures of Cyril of Jerusalem, which describe customs predating the formal schism between East and West, and reflecting broader early church practice (Various, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, VIII.11.7; Cyril & Gregory, Catechetical Lectures, XXIII.3).
• Such rituals distract from true spirituality. → Far from distracting, these liturgical acts are intended to foster unity, reconciliation, and a proper spiritual disposition necessary for engaging in divine worship, reflecting the exhortation for believers to greet one another with a holy kiss (1 Corinthians 16:20).

The tradition of greeting among Orthodox priests underscores the continuity of sacred practice from the earliest assemblies, maintaining a sense of order and spiritual readiness for divine service.

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