Translated with AI
The Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has reminded the public that Christian tradition does not prohibit men from greeting each other with a kiss. This was stated by Hieromonk Makarii (Markish), quoted by the publication "Abzats."
According to the priest, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul calls on believers to "greet one another with a holy kiss." "The text of Holy Scripture does not say that men may greet only women with a kiss, or that men should not kiss men or women should not kiss women. The very fact of kissing is enshrined in ancient spiritual and practical teaching, and it should be practiced according to the circumstances," Father Makarii noted.
He added that the practice of fraternal greeting has been preserved in modern church life: during the Divine Liturgy, the priest greets the deacons with a kiss.
Commenting on the hieromonk's position, State Duma deputy Vitaly Milonov emphasized that this is a traditional greeting gesture, devoid of any hidden meaning. "It is, by and large, an element of our cultural tradition. It contains neither vulgarity nor obscenity. It carries no hint of intimate or erotic meaning," the parliamentarian said.
Milonov also noted that in theology, the concept of "love" has different meanings—spiritual, sacred, and erotic—and it is the spiritual and fraternal understanding of this word that underlies the church tradition of the "holy kiss."
