Proskynesis

Expression of respect Moravians performing proskynesis during Christian worship in 1735 Proskynesis (/ˌprɒskɪˈniːsɪs/), also called proscynesis (/ˌprɒsɪˈniːsɪs/) or proskinesis (/ˌprɒskɪˈniːsɪs/; Greek: προσκύνησις proskýnēsis; Latin: adoratio), was a solemn gesture of respect towards gods and people in many societies. Among the Persians, it referred to a man prostrating himself and kissing the hand or the limbs of a respected person. It was also one of the religious rites among both Greeks and Romans. In Byzantine society, it was a common gesture of supplication or reverence. The physical act ranged from full-fledged prostration or alternatively genuflection, a bow, or a simple greeting that concretized the relative positions of performer and beneficiary within a hierarchical order (τάξις táxis). Etymology The Greek word προσκύνησις is derived from the verb προσκυνέω, proskyneo, itself formed from the compound words πρός, pros (towards) and κυνέω, kyneo ([I] kiss). It describes an attitude of humbling, submission, or worship – particularly towards a sovereign ruler, God or the gods.[citation needed] Practice Accor