The Religious Ritual That Takes Place Before Astronauts Head Into Space

Internet points to anyone who can explain what’s happening in this picture:

Apparently, it’s customary for astronauts to be “blessed” by a Russian Orthodox priest before heading to space. The Verge notes that this ritual has been taking place for years now:

Some patriotic Americans might object to the practice but for the US, there’s not much choice. Ever since the Space Shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied upon Russia’s Soyuz rockets and its Baikonur Cosmodrome to transport men and wom...