In general, in church, when do greetings cease? On Tuesday evening or Wednesday evening?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the formal cessation of the handshake and brotherly kiss (the "kiss of peace") in the church begins specifically from the Eve of Covenant Thursday (which is Wednesday evening).

While the theological focus on the betrayal of Judas is most prominent on Thursday, the liturgical "curfew" on greetings begins as the Church enters the prayers for the Eve of Thursday.

Why Wednesday Evening?

1. The Plot of Betrayal: According to our tradition, Wednesday is known as "Spy Wednesday" because it is the day the Sanhedrin conspired with Judas Iscariot to betray our Lord. Since the Coptic liturgical day begins at sunset, the eve of Thursday (Wednesday night) is when we begin to remember the darkness of that betrayal.
2. Liturgical Order: From the moment the prayers for the Eve of Covenant Thursday begin, we stop greeting one another to show our grief and to signify that we do not wish to offer a "Judas kiss"—a greeting that is outward but lacks true love or is done in treachery.

Implementation:

• Tuesday Evening: You will still see the faithful greeting one another normally.
• Wednesday Evening (Eve of Thursday): The greeting stops. When you enter the church for the Pascha of Wednesday night, you do not shake hands or kiss the hands of the clergy.
• Duration: This continues through the Morning of Covenant Thursday, the remainder of the Pascha (Good Friday), and Bright Saturday.

The greetings are only restored during the Liturgy of the Resurrection on Saturday night, where we finally embrace one another with the joy of the Risen Christ, saying: Christ is Risen!.