The most natural thing an Orthodox Christian can do is to kiss his 'spiritual family', including the icons of the Saints, Holy Relics, the Cross, the Gospel, as well as kissing the priest's hand. It is an ancient custom signifying love, respect and reverence: as it is Christ Himself that we encounter and experience through these holy things. St Paul instructs us to "greet one another with a holy kiss" (2 Cor 13:12); hence we greet the priest or bishop by making a bow and saying, "Father bless", kissing his right hand. When a priest is ordained, he receives the [...]