Church of the Nativity

Old Rite Russian Orthodox

251 East Front Street Erie, PA 16507

​An Old Rite parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR). We are located in Erie, PA.

Concerning the Veneration of Icons

March 18, 2010  /  John Simon

When we venerate the holy icons, the Cross of the Lord, and the Holy Gospel, we do not dare to touch with our lips the sacred faces painted thereon; rather, we kiss the feet of the Crucified Lord or the blessing hand of the Lord or His saints, or their clothing, calling to mind the woman of the Gospel who said to herself, "If I may but touch His garment, I shall be whole."  On those icons where the hands or feet are not depicted, such as the Icon of Christ 'Not made By Hands', we kiss the hair, or the towel on which it is shown, but never the face or the lips.