Greeting clergy

[zhilan]

What is the proper way to greet a Coptic priest?

I know that you, like us, kiss their hands, but it seems like you do it a little differently and I always get nervous I will do it wrong. I know that the abuna usually has a cross - do you kiss that first?

Thanks!

[copticorthodoxy]

we kiss his hand cross first

[zhilan]

So he puts out the cross and you should kiss that, then his hand?

[GabrielWithoutWings]

You kiss the cross, his hand, then touch your forehead to his hand.

That's how I've seen it done.

[zhilan]

You kiss the cross, his hand, then touch your forehead to his hand.

That's how I've seen it done.
Thank you! I know they do something a little different but it's done so fast that I haven't been able to dissect it yet. Is there a way to indicate that you are going to do it? I know that probably sounds a little weird, but for example, when we come up to a priest we make sort of a cup with our hands so the priest knows to bless you and then give you his hand. Otherwise he doesn't know maybe you aren't Orthodox and so aren't going to kiss his hand. Whenever I meet Coptic priests they always just reach out their hand to shake (probably because they can tell I'm not Egyptian and so assume I'm just a friend or guest), but I would like to greet them properly as they touch the Holy Eucharist just as my own priests do, but I'm always a bit awkward.

And Gabriel, I'm so happy to see you! I remember you used to come here a lot, and I missed you. How are you doing?

[GabrielWithoutWings]

Thank you! I know they do something a little different but it's done so fast that I haven't been able to dissect it yet. Is there a way to indicate that you are going to do it? I know that probably sounds a little weird, but for example, when we come up to a priest we make sort of a cup with our hands so the priest knows to bless you and then give you his hand. Otherwise he doesn't know maybe you aren't Orthodox and so aren't going to kiss his hand. Whenever I meet Coptic priests they always just reach out their hand to shake (probably because they can tell I'm not Egyptian and so assume I'm just a friend or guest), but I would like to greet them properly as they touch the Holy Eucharist just as my own priests do, but I'm always a bit awkward.

And Gabriel, I'm so happy to see you! I remember you used to come here a lot, and I missed you. How are you doing?

If I remember correctly, they cup their hands as well. It's been a while since I've seen it done, though.

Eh... I'm alright, I guess. Agnostic at the moment. Haven't been to a church in a while. Have too much mess going on. Thanks for asking, though.

Hope you're doing okay.