New believers are often uncomfortable meeting a priest because they do not know exactly how to approach him. However, you should not be embarrassed. A priest is a spiritual shepherd, and it is important for him to help his parishioners.
It is necessary
Knowledge of church etiquette
Instructions
Step 1
When meeting with a priest, it is not customary to say "Hello" and strive to shake hands. Pious parishioners ask for a blessing: they bow to the belt, touching the ground, and say: "Father John, bless." You should not be baptized in this case. If you do not know the name of the priest, you can say: "Father, bless." In this case, the hands are folded, palms up: the right palm over the left. The priest makes the sign of the cross over the one who has converted with the words “God bless” or “In the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit” and puts his right hand on your palms. In response, it is necessary to kiss the hand, which often confuses new parishioners. You should not be ashamed, because, kissing the hand of the priest, you touch the invisibly forthcoming Christ, who blesses you. The same rule applies when parting with a priest.
Step 2
It is appropriate to ask for a blessing before a long trip, in difficult life circumstances, for example, before a surgical operation. An important meaning of blessing is permission, permission, parting words.
Step 3
According to etiquette, a priest is addressed only as "you." This expresses reverence and awe. It is tactless to ask for a blessing from a priest during a divine service, when he goes to the place of confession or baptism. If a parishioner meets a priest on the street, you can ask for a blessing. But if the priest is busy or in a hurry, it is wiser to limit himself to a bow. The deacon - the priest's assistant - is not asked for blessing. If you need to turn to him, you can say, for example: "Father deacon, will the baptism take place tomorrow?"
Step 4
If it is necessary to invite the priest home to perform the service, this can be done either in person or by phone. In a telephone conversation, they also address "Bless, father" and state the essence of the request. Finishing the conversation, you need to thank and, again, ask for blessings.
Step 5
When addressing a priest in writing, the following forms are used: "Your Reverend" (when referring to a priest), "Your High Reverend" (when referring to an archpriest).
