what's the point of asking a priest for a blessing?

[Tikhon.of.Colorado]

Christ is in our midst!

"Father bless".  when we say this, the priest blesses us, and we kiss his hand.  this is the blessing I mean. 

today I saw a priest I liek very much from summer camp.  as we finnished talking, I asked for a blessing, and he gave it.  I have one question:  what's the point, or rather, the meaning behind it?  is it like the priesst giving HIS personal blessing, or is God blessing us through the priest?

please explain this to me!  thanks!

[OrthodoxSitkan]

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Asking the Blessing of the Priest and kissing his hand is not only a sign of respect for him who Offers the Holy Oblation, but also a blessing from the Divine Trinity.  It is a protection against the demons and the passions and the Fatherly benediction imparted to us to remind the demons that we are the Orthodox, called out after His Name, His Blood Purchased Bride--The One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic and Church.  Get this blessing approaching the Priest and when departing from the Priest.  It is a spiritual armor against our invisible foe and a Witness to those seeing your devotion of your loyalty and faithfulness to the "Faith Once Delivered to the Saints", The Holy Orthodox Church of Christ.

In Christ,


Alexis

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