What does one say when an Orthodox Bishop or Priest sneezes?

[Eusebios]

http://www.theoniondome.com/2004/05/14/vv/

ROTFL!
HIS TIRING SERVANT,
EUSEBIOS
drat the caps lock again!

 

[MariaRegina]

Just want to note that customary response in Russian for sneeze is "Bood Zdarov" which means "Be Healthy", much like the Spanish "Salud" (both can also be used as toasts before taking a shot (be it vodka or tequila)) and has nothing to do with blessings whatsover, so, 19th century Russia would have no such problems.
Ania | Email | 05.19.04 - 9:36 am |

This is from the responses to the Onion Dome (in their forum)

So, it's probably safe to use the good old Spanish "Salud" (to your health)


Dear friends in TAW:

Once, I did respond with "God Bless you" when an Orthodox Priest sneezed and he firmly corrected me and said that it is not proper for a member of the laity to bless the clergy. The clergy bless the laity. So, lately I have been quiet - not knowing what to do. The ROCOR are more strict about this than the OCA, Greek Orthodox and Antiochians. Nevertheless, I do not want to offend my Bishop. Best policy is to smile and be quiet. Don't you agree?

 

[twosid]

removed so as to not offend

 

[MariaRegina]

Exclaim....."eeeeeewwwwwwwwww!" followed by action..(wipes wad o' phlegm off of arm) followed by "Please cover your nose next time."

Is that the right answer?

I guess you like to make prostrations?

 

[twosid]

I guess you like to make prostrations?

There was a time I was quite fond of praying that way. Why do you say this? Would I have to do that were I to do the above? I not know much about the Orthodox Church yet.

 

[MariaRegina]

There was a time I was quite fond of praying that way. Why do you say this? Would I have to do that were I to do the above? I not know much about the Orthodox Church yet.

Sometimes in the Orthodox Church, if you were to do something offensive, the priest or bishop may ask you to do a prostration or make several prostrations (as many as 40) as a sign of repentance. It can be slightly embarrassing.

Sort of like a spiritual push-up, sort of like a military punishment.

 

[Suzannah]

Sometimes in the Orthodox Church, if you were to do something offensive, the priest or bishop may ask you to do a prostration or make several prostrations (as many as 40) as a sign of repentance. It can be slightly embarrassing.

Sort of like a spiritual push-up, sort of like a military punishment.

I know I'm a catechumen still, but I have a really hard time picturing my priest doing this to anyone, especially in public. The most I've seen him do, was make mention of kids running amok...and even that was a general statement, not directed toward anyone in particular.

 

[geocajun]

I read somewhere a while ago (vague huh) that folks say "God bless you" when someone sneezes because during the black plague, the first sign that someone would die, was a sneeze, and then they would be dead in 1-2 days.
So, in response, a Pope (not sure which) said we should offer a blessing to those who sneeze incase they are suffering the plague.
If I remember correctly, if a person was alone, and sneezed, they we're to say "God help me"

Since I cannot remember the source of this, I could not verify my post, so I could be way off base

 

[Suzannah]

Hiya cajun!!!
(Do you have that accent in real life? )

I heard that earlier today, on this thread from Zayit. I went and looked it up and sure it's true!

 

[geocajun]

Hiya cajun!!!
(Do you have that accent in real life? )

When I go back to Louisianna, It returns immediately, but I live in Kansas City now, and I do not have an accent when I speak here

I heard that earlier today, on this thread from Zayit. I went and looked it up and sure it's true!

doh! I did not see that post...

 

[Suzannah]

When I go back to Louisianna, It returns immediately, but I live in Kansas City now, and I do not have an accent when I speak here

I have seen pictures of Louisiana and it is a very beautiful place. Very green! Like Ireland!

doh! I did not see that post...

I didn't know it either! In Ireland, we really were untouched by the Plague in those times. We are an island at the edge of the world, as far as Europe is concerned...they've always considered us LAST. The Black Plague did not really affect us. Nor the so - called "witch trials" either....we were a peaceful nation...that is, until a certain Imperial Someone got the bright idea to become Protestant! LOL

 

[geocajun]

I have seen pictures of Louisiana and it is a very beautiful place. Very green! Like Ireland!

you're making me homesick

I didn't know it either! In Ireland, we really were untouched by the Plague in those times.

sometimes its good to be left out huh

we were a peaceful nation...that is, until a certain Imperial Someone got the bright idea to become Protestant! LOL

Ahh yes, that was very contagious

 

[MariaRegina]

Ahh yes, that was very contagious

Very fatal - like a disease, too.

We must pray that all men come to the truth.

 

[Michael G]

You could say "May the Lord be with you, Vladyka!"?

 

[Matthias]

Yeah, I would say what I normally say when someone sneezes...

The priest is only a man like myself.

 

[CyberSponge]

Or alternatively, maybe someone could say "Father, Bless!"

 

[Michael G]

Or alternatively, maybe someone could say "Father, Bless!"

Excellent!

 

[MariaRegina]

Master, Bless

is used when talking with an Orthodox Bishop.

 

[Michael G]

If a priest sneezes you would say "Father, Bless!" or if a bishop sneezes "Master, Bless!". Fr. Vasily says it would be that way in 19th C. Russia.

 

[twosid]

evidently this was offensive to some folks so I'm removing it.