Page "Saint" Paragraph 24

The reason relics are considered sacred is because, for the Orthodox, the separation of body and soul is unnatural.

Body and soul both comprise the person, and in the end, body and soul will be reunited ; therefore, the body of a saint shares in the " Holiness " of the soul of the saint.

As a general rule only clergy will touch relics in order to move them or carry them in procession, however, in veneration the faithful will kiss the relic to show love and respect toward the saint.

Every altar in every Orthodox church contains relics, usually of martyrs.

Church interiors are covered with the Icons of saints.