Have you ever wondered why we kiss the priest’s hand, light candles when entering the church, or stand throughout the Divine Liturgy?

In this episode (the first in my Orthodoxy FAQs series), I walk through eight commonly asked questions about Orthodox Christian liturgy and the meaning behind these sacred practices.

Whether you’re a new convert, an inquirer, or someone who has been Orthodox your entire life, this conversation offers deeper insight into the why behind what we do.

Understanding the significance of these traditions has profoundly changed how I experience the Divine Liturgy, helping me be more present, attentive, and prayerful.

A quick note: I am not a Presvytera or a Priest. This episode is shared from my personal learning and experience, and I always encourage you to bring questions like these to your parish priest.

If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast and share it with someone who may be encouraged. 🙏

Always remember to keep Christ first. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! ☦️

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction

04:51 – Why do we kiss the priest’s hand

07:26 – Why do we light candles?

11:53 – Why do we use beeswax candles

13:12 – What are icons?

13:45 – Why do we kiss icons?

15:53 – Why do we stand for liturgy?

19:48 – Why do we do our cross with three fingers?

20:40 – Why do we do our cross right to left?

RESOURCES

Why do we kiss the priest’s hand?

-Kissing the Priest’s Hand – Greek Orthodox Christian Society https://lychnos.org/kissing-priests-hand/

-First Time Visitors - Transfiguration https://transfiguration.org/first-time-visitor/

-Why do Orthodox Christians kiss the hand of a bishop or priest? | Church Blog https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2017/08/why-do-orthodox-christians-kiss-hand-of

Why do we light candles?

-Orthodoxy 101: Proper Etiquette & Worship Practices - Orthodox Road https://www.orthodoxroad.com/orthodoxy-101-proper-etiquette-worship-practices/

-Why Do Orthodox Christians Light Candles? » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-do-orthodox-christians-light-candles/

-Light a Candle - Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America https://www.goarch.org/chapel/lightacandle

-The Candles & Their Symbolism - St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church https://www.sthermansoca.org/orthodox-christianity/the-candles-their-symbolism/

Why do we use beeswax candles?

-Why Do Orthodox Christians Light Candles? » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-do-orthodox-christians-light-candles/

Why are icons and why do we kiss icons?

-Why Orthodox Christians Kiss Icons » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/why-orthodox-christians-kiss-icons/

Why do we stand for liturgy?

-First Time Visitors - Transfiguration https://transfiguration.org/first-time-visitor/

-Why Orthodox Christians Stand During Services » Saint John the Evangelist Orthodox Church https://www.saintjohnchurch.org/standing-orthodox-church/

-Orthodoxy 101: Proper Etiquette & Worship Practices - Orthodox Road https://www.orthodoxroad.com/orthodoxy-101-proper-etiquette-worship-practices/

Why do we do our cross with three fingers?

-Orthodoxy 101: Proper Etiquette & Worship Practices - Orthodox Road https://www.orthodoxroad.com/orthodoxy-101-proper-etiquette-worship-practices/

Why do we do our Cross right to left?

-Sign of the Cross Direction - Questions & Answers - Orthodox Church in America https://www.oca.org/questions/teaching/sign-of-the-cross-direction

-The Reason Orthodox Christians Cross Themselves from Right to Left – St. John the Merciful Orthodox Church https://johnthemerciful.org/the-reason-orthodox-christians-cross-themselves-from-right-to-left/