It is also important to note that the Eucharist is the Mystery of love and of unity, and the Liturgy itself informs us that love of our brethren and unity of faith are essential preconditions for receiving the Body and Blood of Christ: "Let us love one another, so that with one mind we may confess the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in essence and indivisible".

The Fathers also wrote that he who retains hatred and resentment for his neighbor cannot worthily receive the Mystical Supper. The Cherubikon reminds us, once again, that we must "set aside all earthly cares, that we may welcome the King of all".

The Kiss of Peace may remain pastorally problematic, but it cannot be dismissed as meaningless, or as "mere symbolism"--it is one of the actions at the heart of the Eucharistic Liturgy.