The
Dismissal (
Greek:
apolysis) is the final
blessing said by a
Christian priest or
minister at the end of a religious service. In
liturgical churches the dismissal will often take the form of ritualized words and gestures, such as raising the minister's hands over the congregation, or blessing with the
sign of the cross. The use of a final blessing at the end of a liturgical service may be based upon the
Priestly Blessing prescribed for the
kohanim in the
Torah ().
Eastern Orthodox
See also