Question first appeared on April 8, 2007
Maybe a few more words on “Bishop Etiquette” would be nice–how to greet him, what to do when he walks into a room.  I know that we’ve had a little about this, but I have heard a few people say that they weren’t sure what to do.  Thanks.

When a bishop enters a room the people present should rise if they are sitting. 

As you approach him or he approaches you, you ask for his blessing by cupping your hands together, holding one over the other before you, and saying, “Master, bless.”  He will make the sign of the cross and place his hand in your cupped hands, which you then kiss.

When speaking to the bishop, you address him as “Your Grace” or “Saidna.”  

©Very Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, April 8, 2007

Question first appeared on September 24, 2006
With our parish becoming a cathedral and Bishop THOMAS being present with us more often, can you again review the proper way to address and greet a bishop?

When speaking to a bishop, such as Bishop THOMAS, you would address him as “Your Grace” or “Saidna.”  “Saidna” is less formal, yet still proper, and means “Our Master.”

When first greeting a bishop, you approach him with your hands together, palms up, right hand over the left, and ask for his blessing saying, “Master, bless!”  He will make the sign of the cross, place his hand into your hands and you bend to kiss his hand.  You don’t raise his hand to your lips. 

Following the blessing, the bishop may hold onto your hand and move to greet you by exchanging kisses on both cheeks as is traditional between Orthodox Christians.  If he does not initiate such a greeting, then neither do you.  His blessing is sufficient.

When addressing a Metropolitan Archbishop, such as Metropolitan PHILIP, you call him, “Your Eminence” or again “Saidna.”  Asking for his blessing is the same as above.      

©Very Rev. Fr. Olof Scott, Sunday Bulletin, September 24, 2006
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