proper way to bow/reverence

[samkim]

What is the proper way to make a metanoia in the Greek and Arab practice and how does it differ from the Slavic? I am a catechumen at a North American Antiochian parish, but most folks reverence in the Russian style. I am assuming here that the Greek and Arab practices are more similar, or the same.

[scamandrius]

The Russian/Slavic practice to make a metanoia is to cross oneself first and then bow at the waist.  The Greek/Arabic practice is to bow first and then make the sign of the cross.  The Russian style is done so one does not bend the cross; the Greek practice has one bow first and then make the cross so one is, in effect, taking up the cross per our Lord's command.  It is also customary when bowing, whether according to the Russian or Greek practice, to touch the earth with your palm extended outwards.  Though Antiochian, I have habitually reverenced according to the Slavic tradition. 

[serb1389]

Were you asking about a small prostration or a genuflection? 

Just curious. 

Nice summary Scamandrius.

[samkim]

there is an orthodox bow called a genuflection?

[Αριστοκλής]

there is an orthodox bow called a genuflection?

Meaning a full prostration, on hands and knees, forehead to the floor? Yes.

I think Scamandrius above describes the 'little metanoia', I guess one could call it a bow. There is another metanoia, touching the floor as one bows, then crossing oneself.

[serb1389]

Meaning a full prostration, on hands and knees, forehead to the floor? Yes.

I've heard it be refered to as a genuflection...but yes it is a metanoia, or a form of. 

The greek does not distinguish between small or big...any bending of the body is metanoia. 

Samkim, does my question make sense now?  I'm just trying to be clear as to what you are asking about...sorry for any confusion. 

[PeterTheAleut]

I thought a genuflection was merely a Catholic thing: cross yourself and touch one knee to the floor as you keep your body otherwise erect.  Maybe there is such thing as an Orthodox genuflection.

[Aristibule]

I thought a genuflection was merely a Catholic thing: cross yourself and touch one knee to the floor as you keep your body otherwise erect.  Maybe there is such thing as an Orthodox genuflection.

The AWRV does that. However, the term genuflection originally meant a bow rather than kneeling. A medieval genuflectio is crossing oneself with a 'profound bow' - same way as the normative English customs, and Russian customs. There was a form known among the Anglo-Saxons where they would kneel on both knees, then trace a cross on the floor in front of them, prostrate and kiss it. It was a controversial practice, however, for tracing a cross where people stepped with their feet. The Parson's Handbook, IIRC, has a discussion of the history of genuflectio - though it might also be in other Alcuin Club publications. (I think Daniel Rock DD might have discussed it as well.)

[serb1389]

I have heard it referenced by the RC also.  I think it is the most appropriate english equivalent though....?  Maybe...

This is the term i've seen in theological texts in regard to the full metanoia.  That's why I used it...sorry for any confusion...

[samkim]

Gotcha. No confusion. And of course RC has genuflections! (apparently not the eastern type)...

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