Greeting a monk

[Patrick Lee]

Can't quite find the answer anywhere, but we'll be travelling to the Getty Museum tomorrow. There will be sevefal monks present, but given that I probably won't know if they are priests or not, what is the proper way to greet them?

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

Can't quite find the answer anywhere, but we'll be travelling to the Getty Museum tomorrow. There will be sevefal monks present, but given that I probably won't know if they are priests or not, what is the proper way to greet them?

Traditions vary from country to country especially in regard to monastics, whether nuns or monks. Priestmonks (Hieromonks) are clearly recognized by their pectoral cross. They should be approached with reverence and when they are not in conversation with another (one can wait quietly nearby), then proceed, touch the ground with your right hand, bending at the waist, and then come up slowly and take or receive his right hand and kiss his hand (which while you are bowing the priest is blessing you with the sign of the Cross) - after this you may ask a question or simply depart by placing your right hand reverently on your heart and bowing slightly.

Nuns should not be touched by males out of respect, but they should also be approached with reverence and in the above manner of touching the ground with the right hand. An Abbess will be recognizable by her pectoral Cross. But she should also not be touched by male laity.

Monks, whether, ryassophore, small schema, or great schema should be approached in the following manner similiar to the priest yet only with the right hand to the floor and bowing - it will be up to the monk whether he will embrace you or not.

I trust this helps.

[Robert Hegwood]

If males should not touch nuns out of respect. Should women then refrain from touching a monk (if not a heiromonk)?

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

If males should not touch nuns out of respect. Should women then refrain from touching a monk (if not a heiromonk)?

Dear Seraphim,

Good question actually and here again much depends on locale (for instance I could write a completely different typicon for Romania, and also, how do monks and nuns interact (!)).

I feel a good point to keep in mind is that we are all members of the Body of Christ, the laity are the Royal Priesthood, Priests whether married or monastic are our Pastors and upon whom is granted amongst other things the Pastoral care of their flock which they share along with their respective Bishops. Priests having the grace of the Priesthood and the charisma of celebrating the Divine Liturgy and ministering over the Holy Mysteries, are due especial respect, for our Lord has chosen them (through the laying on of hands of their Bishop) to officiate at the Holy Liturgy where the Mystical Supper becomes a living reality and the life-giving nourishment of the entire Mystical Body.

Having said all that what I wanted to say was that we are all members of Christ and that though proper protocol is called for, let us keep in mind that we are persons. Too much emphasis on how to properly greet someone, can instill an unnecessary intimidation or fear upon the laity, and cause them to not enter into discourse with a monk/nun or Hieromonk, for the simple reason, that they have forgotten the way to approach them!

Which leads to your question; for out of the respect due to a Priest or Priestmonk (Hieromonk) women should proceed as I stated in my post above, and after touching the floor with the right hand (fingers, not palm) both male and female laity slowly arise and cup their hands, right palm over the left palm, the priest may place his hand upon the palm, at which point we kiss their hand. This applies to approaching Bishops also, by the way.

So, yes, female laity do touch a Priestmonk and Bishop, by the reverent gesture of kissing their right hand.

Female laity however do not touch monks. In general laity do not touch monastics period (be they nuns or monks). This is due to the crucifixion, xentia (exile), of the monastic vow - we have died to the world - having forsaken our own families for Christ, it would be improper to spend our days endlessly hugging people.

I pray this helps.