Visiting My First OCA Church

[Orthodox Andrew]

I was just wondering if they kiss the Priest's hand in the OCA?

 

[MariaRegina]

Yes, Andreas, they do.

After the Divine Liturgy in the OCA parishes that I have visited, the Priest descends from the Altar carrying the blessing cross. The parishioners come forward to venerate the icon which rests on the stand in front of the altar. Next, they come forward to first kiss the Holy Cross which the priest holds in his right hand, then they kiss his right hand (fingers). The antidoron is usually held by the altar boys to the side of the priest or placed on a stand for the people to take. The Antiochians have the same practice because they were served by the OCA under St. Bishop Raphael.

Hope this helps.

Lovingly yours in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

P.S. Please pray for my 19 year old son, John, who is driving home as I type, from the FDF Greek Orthodox Dance Competition in Ontario, California.

He arrived home safely around 2 am.

 

[Orthodox Andrew]

Yes, Andreas, they do.

After the Divine Liturgy in the OCA parishes that I have visited, the Priest descends from the Altar carrying the blessing cross. The parishioners come forward to venerate the icon which rests on the stand in front of the alta. Next, they come forward to first kiss the Holy Cross which the priest holds in his right hand, then they kiss his right hand (fingers). The antidoron is usually held by the altar boys to the side of the priest or placed on a stand for the people to take. The Antiochians have the same practice because they were served by the OCA under St. Bishop Raphael.

Hope this helps.

Lovingly yours in Christ our God,
Elizabeth

P.S. Please pray for my 19 year old son, John, who is driving home as I type, from the FDF Greek Orthodox Dance Competition in Ontario, California.

That helped a lot, thanks!

I will pray for John right now.