The Kiss of Peace

"Greet one another with a holy kiss."
The Holy Apostle Paul, Rom. 16:16

The Kiss of Peace or holy kiss (Rom. 16.16, I Cor. 16.20, II Cor. 13.12, I Thes. 5.26, I Pet. 5.14) has been exchanged between Christians since the early centuries of the Church. It is still practiced today especially at Forgiveness Vespers and on the day of Holy Pascha.

Each Sunday during the Liturgy it is exchanged between the priests and between the deacons.
At this time we have the following exchange:

Priest: Peace be to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another, so that with one mind we may confess.
People: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; the Trinity, one in essence and undivided.

The Kiss of Peace is a confession of faith. Christian love is more than love for God and neighbor; it is love for everyone, even for our enemies. This love is possible in God because God is Love. I John 4. This love is the sign of the Church. John 15:8-12. The divisions of this world cannot be overcome by natural love between family and friends. The love of Christ transforms the stranger and the enemy alike into brother and sister. In this rite we express not only our own love for those that we already love but the love of Christ for the whole world. This love finds its true confession in God as trinity. God is not only a unity, but triunity of persons united in love.