Have you ever been to an Orthodox or Coptic church?

[Lucian Hodoboc]

Towards the conclusion of Greek Orthodox Church services, congregants form a line towards the front. Each person in line greets one another and proceeds to kiss the hand or ring of the priest, or equivalent clergy member. I observed that the majority aimed to kiss the ring. Despite numerous debates among Catholics asserting that germs are not spread, regardless of one's health, when sharing the communion cup, I find this belief to be utterly baseless. Disregarding the necessity of kissing rings and drinking from the same cup might position me as the most discerning individual, given that others seem to overlook scientific evidence, except for the scientists themselves.

I don't know what church you attended, but there is no such custom, as far as I know. The most I could find was kissing the priest's hand after he has blessed you, which can be done without touching his hand with your lips. There is no ring involved.

Why do Orthodox Christians kiss the hand of a bishop or priest? — St. Anne Orthodox Church

Often inquirers ask about the practice of kissing the priest’s hand. For people outside of the Orthodox Tradition (and even for some of the Faithful), this is one of those foreign, counter-cultural and awkward practices that can be difficult to grasp. The following article may shed some light on thi

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