The Church is recognized externally, writes Father Martin Luther in On the Councils and The Church, by the fact that She consecrates or calls ministers, or has offices that She is to administer. From the writings of The New Testament and from the teachings, traditions and customs of Holy Mother Church, we know that the Priesthood is a necessary element of The Church, and is included among Her constitutive marks (nota ecclesiae), having received its beginning and its mission directly for our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and from The Holy Apostles.
Theologians have sometimes argued over whether the sacred ministry belongs to the esse or the bene esse of The Church. In the latter case it is asserted that the sacred ministry is only the activity of the universal Royal Priesthood of Believers, the public exercise of which the Christian community has transferred to certain men for the sake of "good order." In this non-Catholic, non-Lutheran view, the sacred ministry is not essential for The Church and does not belong to Her constitutive factors. Those holding this view usually proclaim it to be the Reformation position, in contrast to both the Roman and Orthodox positions and Dr. Luther's understanding of the Scriptural teaching on the sacred ministry. The Evangelical Catholic Church, however, emphasizes (perhaps even more strongly than The Church of Rome) that the sacred ministry is a divine institution based on a divine commission. The Evangelical Catholic priest represents the person of Christ Jesus, not his own person - as Christ testifies in Luke 10:16, He that heareth you heareth Me. When Evangelical Catholic priests offer The Word of God, when they offer The Holy Sacraments, they offer them in the stead and in the place of Christ (Ministerium Verbei habet mandatum Dei, Apology VII, 28).
Thus the sacred ministry within The Evangelical Catholic Church is securely based upon The New Testament. It is inseparably connected with The Church. Its basis is the command of Christ, a divine commission. Our Lord asserts that there MUST be Bishops who take heed unto the flock and feed the Church of God (Acts 20"28-31); who rule well and labor in the Word and doctrine (I Tim. 5:17); who are over the believers in The Lord and admonish them (I Thess. 5:12-13); and who watch over their souls as they who must give account (Heb. 13:17). This priesthood exists, therefore, because of Christ's institution and it possesses an authority given to it by Christ.
The Bishop, who is to feed the flock, scripturally has rule over the flock (for if he does not have rule over the flock, then he is an hireling and not a Christian Bishop). Saint Paul admonishes all believers:
Thus Holy Scripture clearly teaches a form of Church polity (government). Bishops, those who have been called as Christ's representatives by God into the Sacred Ministry, are to rule over The Church as a father governs his household; they shall be held accountable to God for their administration. The Faithful are commanded here and in the Fourth Commandment to obey their spiritual fathers, the Bishops who have spoken unto you the Word of God - for The Faithful shall be held accountable to God for the obedience they render their Bishops and pastors.
A so-called democratic form of Church polity, therefore, or even a congregational form of polity, where the children rule the father, is unscriptural, non-Catholic, non-Lutheran, and a subversion of both God's natural and revealed Order.
That this Christian priesthood has a commission from God is emphasized throughout the whole New Testament, in the Gospels as well as the Epistles. Christ commissioned His Apostles and sent them out into the world as His representatives, as He testifies to The Father: As Thou [Father] didst send Me into the world, so I have sent them into Thy world (John 17:18; cf. John 20:21). These messengers and representatives of Christ as invested with authority by The Lord, even the authority to forgive sins in His Most Holy Name.
Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. (Matt. 18:18; cf. Matt. 16:19, John 20:22-23). But this authority is not a personal authority, for Evangelical Catholic priests are entirely dependent upon Christ - they are His instruments and servants, accountable to Him as His stewards. The purpose of the sacred ministry is to make disciples of all nations and to nurture and father The Faithful, and this doen in His Name by His representatives.
In both the Acts of The Apostles and the Epistles we see how this sacred ministry developed in The Church under The Holy Spirit's guidance. The decisive element is the commission which has been given and which is to be faithfully administered. We find that St. Paul, often in the strongest terms, emphasizes the commission, ministry, and service which have been given to him by Christ. But he emphasizes just as strongly that the authority is not his, and that he is nothing in himself.
What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants (II Cor. 3:5). He wants to be known as a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God (I Cor. 4:1). His boldness rests on the fact that the ministry has been given to him by God's mercy. Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart (II Cor. 4:1). His confidence does not come because we are sufficient of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our sufficiency is from God (II Cor. 3:5). This ministry is entirely a service of Christ. But for that very reason it is at the same time directed toward the service of The Church (and thus of the local congregation). The ministry can serve The Church only by being entirely a service to Christ. If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ (Gal. 1:10). Service to The Church consists in this: The messengers bring forth the message about Christ. We preach . . . not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake(II Cor. 4:5). The messengers thereby contribute to the joy of The Church. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy (II Cor. 1:24).
When we consider the ideas of the ministry expressed in these quotations from Scripture, it is clear that the starting point with reference to the Holy Ministry is the Commission. The Lord Himself has given this commission, in the first place to His Apostles who thus have a special position, but also through them to all those who during the centuries have been authorized as the messengers of Christ in the footsteps of The Apostles. This means that the commission of Christ is continually given through The Church, and that, from the point of view of Faith, the ministry is maintained in The Church through the activity of The Holy Spirit. From this point of view it becomes quite misleading to ask whether the Commission comes from The Church or from The Lord Himself. From the point of view of faith this alternative is meaningless, since a commission from The Church can not be such unless it is a commission from The Lord Who is the Head of The Church.
Saint Paul defines the ministry of The Church as a ministry of reconciliation. Its significance can hardly be expressed in a more vivid manner.
That the ministry of The Church is a ministry of reconciliation implies that it has its foundation in the finished work of Christ Jesus, in the Atonement. If the reconciliation is a work of God from above, then the ministry of reconciliation is also a gift from above, a ministry given by God. The atonement demands a ministry, not because it needs to be finished, completed or even repeated. It has been done once and for all! It remains for all times and generations. But the atonement demands a ministry because it addresses itself to every new age and every new generation of man. The victorious act of reconciliation must be carried out in new struggles. The victory of self-giving loves does not mean that the struggle has ceased. The ministry of reconciliation is a ministry of struggle and conflict. As God's act of reconciliation in Christ Jesus was carried out in a struggle against the destructive powers, so the messengers of reconciliation (His priests and Bishops) are called upon to participate in this struggle. It is carried on in the consciousness that human power does not avail anything here, for everything is from God, but also in the consciousness that Christ is the Victorious Lord and that His priests go forth under His authority.
The ministry of reconciliation must proclaim the message of reconciliation. All the tasks which may belong to the Holy Priesthood are gathered together in this one essential function: The Word of Reconciliation has been entrusted to us. This aspect must be carefully noted. The message which has been entrusted to the messengers must be proclaimed as it really is. Attention must be drawn to the message, not to the messenger. The messenger serves the cause whose servant he has become. The priest is an instrument, nothing else - but also nothing less than Our Lord's instrument. It is the cause itself that is to speak. The Word and The Sacraments are the bearers of the message of reconciliation. The Sacred Ministry belongs to the constitutive factors of The Church because The Word and The Sacraments are the constitutive factors of The Church. This means likewise that the activity of the ministry has its center in the Church's worship life. It has been thus from the very beginning in The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and so it must remain. Ordinances and forms may change, but The Church is the same throughout the ages. The fellowship of The Church is a fellowship in The Word and The Sacraments, a fellowship which expresses itself in worship. Worship is the center of The Church, because the decisive element is fellowship with Christ, and because this fellowship is realized in worship life. Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). This fellowship with Christ is especially connected with The Lord's Supper, which is the seal of The New Covenant. The function of the Holy Ministry appears, therefore, as something secure and irrevocable, however much the forms of activity may change. There is no other Church than the historical, actual, concrete Catholic Church which stems from Christ and His Apostles, and which is founded on The Word of God and The Most Holy Sacraments in whose service the ministry of The Church is engaged.
The Office of The Sacred Ministry has its own distinctive task and function in The Church. This special, divinely created office, is not rendered unnecessary even though the New Testament declares that all Christians are called to be a Royal Priesthood - that is, a body of people who praise our Lord for the undeserved mercy He has shown us in calling us out of eternal death to eternal life. An equality before God because of Christ Jesus does not mean that a special office of the ministry, ordained by Christ Jesus Himself, becomes superfluous. All who are called to faith in the One True God (Jesus the Christ) are members of the Royal Priesthood, but not all are called to the public priesthood. All who are called to faith in Christ Jesus are members of a priestly nation, but each retains his station in life as he lives among the Gentiles. It is The Lord Who calls and consecrates some for the special office of serving His Church in the Holy Priesthood.
First Tonsure & Bestowal of Clerical Habit
First Tonsure & Bestowal of Clerical Habit
The Presentation of Candidates
Each Candidate shall appear holding a surplice over one arm. The Bishop, without Mitre and Staff, says:
B: Our help is in the Name of The Lord.
C: Who made Heaven and earth.
B: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
C: Now and for evermore.
Then the Presenter shall read the list of Candidates. Every Candidate, upon hearing his name read, shall respond: Present. The Bishop shall sit and have his Mitre and Crozier.
The Examination
B: According to Saint Jerome, the Cleric vowed to the service of The Church of Christ Jesus answers fully to his name of Clericus. This word signifies that he belongs to God or that God
Himself is the portion of the Cleric. Now whoever is the portion of God or has God for his
portion must prove himself such that he does truly possess God and he himself is possessed of
God. Renunciation is the daily lot of the Cleric from the moment he enlists in the ranks of the
Clergy. Now, dearly beloved son(s), have you carefully considered the duties and responsibilities
which you are about to undertake in the Church of God?
Candidate(s): Yes, Venerable Father in God.
B: Are you well disposed to accept the duties and obligations of the clerical status?
Candidate(s): I do accept them, God being my helper.
B: May God Almighty bless you in the execution of His work.
The Candidates shall kneel, and Psalm 15 is said or sung.
Lord, who shall dwell in They tabernacle?
Or who shall rest upon Thy holy hill?
Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life,
and doeth the thing which is right, and speaketh the truth from his heart.
He that hath used no deceit in his tongue, or done evil to his neighbor, and hath not slandered his neighbor.
He that setteth not by himself, but is lowly in his own eyes,
and maketh much of them that fear the Lord.
He that sweareth unto his neighbor, and disappointeth him not,
though it were to his own hindrance.
He that hath not given his money upon usury,
nor taken reward against the innocent.
Whoso doeth these things
shall never fail.
Then the Bishop shall have his Mitre removed and stand to say:
B: Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus, Divine Redeemer of mankind, we beseech Thee to grant to this Thy servant(s), who for love of Thee earnestly desire the tonsure, the gift of Thy Holy Spirit. Vouchsafe to
keep him undefiled. Give him Thy blessing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that he may lead Thy children both by word and example, to the knowledge and love of Thee and of Thy Holy Church. Through the same Christ Jesus our Lord.
Candidate(s): Amen.
Then the Candidates shall stand and with the Choir shall sing or say Psalm 23. The Bishop, with Mitre, shall take his seat.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul,
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
for Thou art with me; They rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
The Tonsure
At the conclusion of the Psalm, the Candidates shall kneel before the Bishop. Then the Bishop, without Crozier, shall cut off some hair from the head of each one, in the form of a cross, saying:
B: In the Name of The Father.
D: Amen.
B: And of The Son.
D: Amen.
B: And of The Holy Spirit.
D: Amen.
After this, the Bishop, without Mitre, shall say:
B: Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, to this Thy servant(s), the hair of whose head(s) we have this day cut off for love of Thee, that he may always abide in Thy love and be preserved from all uncleanness unto life everlasting. Through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Candidate(s): Amen.
Then the Bishop shall stand and say over the Candidate(s) the following:
B: Let us pray.
O God, Who inspired Thy servant King David to promote Thy worship, mercifully extend Thy
blessings upon this Thy chosen son(s) who dedicate(s) his life to Thy Church and service. Grant that he shall serve Thee with reverence and true holiness, to the honor and glory of Thy Name. Through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Candidate(s): Amen.
Bestowal of the Surplice
The Bishop, wearing his Mitre, shall then take his seat. He shall bestow or place a surplice on each Candidate, saying:
B: May the Lord God, Maker of Heaven and earth, make a new man out of you, that through the power of His grace you may live in holiness, love, and truthfulness.
Candidate(s): Amen.
Then the Bishop, without his Mitre, shall stand and say:
B: Let us pray.
Almighty and eternal God, forgive his trespasses and purify his soul(s). Cleanse him from all evil habits and earthly defilements, that he may gladly bear the burden of the people with Thee, that Thou bear it not Thyself alone. And as we have placed on his head(s) a symbol of Thy crown of thorns and renunciation, may he prove himself worthy of Thy grace and of the crown of everlasting salvation.
Candidate(s): Amen.
The Bishop, with Mitre and Staff, shall take his seat and say:
B: Dearly beloved son(s):
From this day you have become a member(s) of the Clergy of the One, Holy, Catholic and
Apostolic Church. As such you have renounced the world and have promised to follow Christ.
You are duty bound to obey and abide with the Discipline, Constitution, Canons and Doctrines
of The Church. Beware that through negligence you may lose the rewards of such Office.
Humbly and cheerfully dedicate yourself at all times and in all places to the glory of Christ Jesus
and to the salvation of souls.
The Blessing
The tonsured Candidate(s) and the Congregation kneel for the Blessing of the Bishop.
B: The grace of Our Lord Jesus + Christ,
and the love of God the + Father,
and the fellowship of the Holy + Spirit,
be with you now and forever.
C: Amen.
The admission to Minor Orders should take place on a Sunday or Holyday. In order to permit The Faithful to more fully participate in this celebration, a chair for the Bishop should be placed before The Altar and seats for the Candidates placed so that The Faithful have an unobstructed view of the liturgical rite. The following shall be prepared:
Each Candidate shall be vested in a surplice. Immediately before the Old Testament Lesson of the Day, the Bishop, with Mitre and Crozier, shall take his seat before The Altar. Each Candidate, properly vested, shall then come forward to stand and bow before the Bishop. The Presentation of Candidates P: Reverend Father in God: B: Is the Candidate(s) whom you present duly prepared by purity of life? The Examination B: Dearly beloved son(s): B: Will you try faithfully and reverently to execute the duties of your ministry to the best of your ability, as unto the Lord and not unto men? The Bishop shall address those to be admitted Door-Keeper as follows: B: It is the duty of the Door-Keeper to ring the Church bells, to open the parish doors and the sacristy, and to open the Sacramentary, and to lead a saintly life. He is also in charge of the keys of the parish. Will you strive to comply with these obligations? B: May God guide and bless you in the execution of His work. The following Lesson shall be read by the Bishop or someone appointed by him. If the Bishop reads the Lesson, he shall stand wearing his Mitre but without his Crozier. If someone else reads the Lesson, the Bishop shall remain seated wearing his Mitre and holding his Crozier. Lesson: These Levites were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house
of God. And they lodged round about the house of God, because the charge was upon them.
And certain of them had charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and
out. Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the
sanctuary. The Admission The Candidates for the Office of Door-Keeper shall kneel before the Bishop. The Bishop shall sit with Mitre and Crozier and place his right hand upon the head of each Candidate, saying over each Candidate: B: N. N., I admit thee to the Office of Door-Keeper in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; in
The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Amen. The Delivery of the Insignia (Keys) Then the Bishop shall give to each Candidate the Insignia of Office, saying: B: N., I give you the keys of the parish as insignia of your Ministry, in The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Amen. The Circuit within the Nave During the singing of a Psalm or appropriate Hymn by the congregation (or the Choir), the Presenter accompanies the new Door-Keeper(s) around the interior of the Nave. Upon completion of the circuit around the Nave, the Door-Keeper(s) again come(s) to stand before the Bishop. The Bishop stands without his Mitre and Crozier; the Door-Keeper(s) shall kneel. B: O God, Who gave the Levites charge of the instruments of Thy Holy Temple, Give Thy grace, we beseech Thee, to this Door-Keeper(s) of Thy Church, that devoutly taking care of the portals of Thy Temple and adorning the place with Thy sanctuary, he may make the place of Thy Presence beautiful and glorious. Through Christ Jesus our Lord. The Bishop shall address those to be admitted Reader as follows: B: It is the Office of a Reader to read the Word of God in the liturgical assembly so that The Faithful may thereby be edified and instructed in the same; to read the Daily Offices in the
absence of the Priest or at his direction; and to assist in the instruction of children and adults in
The Faith, preparing them to receive the sacraments. Will you do these things with all diligence
and devotion? B: Let us pray. After the prayer, the Bishop opens the book of the Epistles upon the head of the Candidate for the Office of Reader. The Presenter leads each Candidate from the Bishop and places him in the middle of the Nave with his face to the east; and the book of the Epistles is given to him, and he readeth, a little, wheresoever it may chance to open. Turning, he bows to the Bishop. The Presenter divests the Candidate of his Surplice. Then the Tunic is brought to the Bishop and he signs it with his hand over the cross. The Candidate, having signed himself with the sign of the cross, kisses the cross upon the Tunic and the hand of the Bishop. The Presenter vests each Candidate in the Tunic and the Bishop exhorts him, saying: B: My son(s), traditionally the first degree in the Priesthood is that of Reader. It behooves you therefore to peruse the divine Scriptures daily, to the end that the hearers may receive edification; that you in nowise shaming your election, may prepare yourself for an higher degree. For by a chaste, holy and upright life you shall gain the favor of the God of loving-kindness and
shall render yourself worthy of a great ministry, through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. The following Lesson shall be read by the Bishop or someone appointed by him. If the Bishop reads the Lesson, he shall stand wearing his Mitre but without his Crozier. If someone else reads the Lesson, the Bishop shall remain seated wearing his Mitre and holding his Crozier. Lesson: All the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate; and they told Ezra
the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel. And Ezra
brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with
understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. Ezra opened the book in the sight of all
the people, for he was above all the people; and when he opened it all the people stood. Ezra
blessed the Lord, the great God; and all the people answered, Amen, Amen, lifting up their
hands; and they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. The
Levites read from the book, from the law of God, clearly; and they gave the sense, so that the
people understood the reading. The Admission of Readers Every Candidate for the Office of Reader shall now kneel before the Bishop. The Bishop, with Mitre and Crozier, shall sit and place his right hand upon the head of each Candidate, saying in turn: B: Blessed is the Lord. N., I admit you, having been duly recommended, to the Minor Order of Reader of the most holy Church of N.. In The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and
of The Holy + Spirit. The Delivery of the Insignia (Bible) The Bishop shall then deliver a Holy Bible to each Candidate. B: And I give you this Holy Bible as the Emblem of your Office, in The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Then the Bishop, without Mitre and Crozier, shall stand and say: B: Let us pray. Then, turning to face the Holy Altar, the Bishop continues: B: Let us pray. The Bishop shall address those to be admitted Acolyte as follows: B: The ministry of an Acolyte is to aid the Deacon and to minister to the Priest and Bishop in liturgical celebrations, especially in the celebration of The Divine Liturgy; he is also to care for the lights of the Church, assist with the distribution of Holy Communion when called upon by
the Celebrant to do so, and to receive the offerings of the people. B: May God guide and bless you in the execution of His work. The following Lesson shall be read by the Bishop or someone appointed by him. If the Bishop reads the Lesson, he shall stand wearing his Mitre but without his Crozier. If someone else reads the Lesson, the Bishop shall remain seated wearing his Mitre and holding his Crozier. Lesson: Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their
master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he
comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes;
truly, I say to you, he will gird himself and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve
them. The Admission of Acolyte The Candidate(s) shall kneel before the Bishop. The Bishop shall sit and extend his right hand over the head of each Candidate, saying in turn: The Delivery of the Insignia The Bishop shall give a candle to each Candidate. B: I give you this Candle as the Emblem of your Ministry and as a symbol to remind you that it is your duty to light the lights of the Church. In The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son,
and of The Holy + Spirit. The Bishop shall now give an Alms Basin to each Candidate. B: Accept this Alms Basin in which to receive the offerings of the People of God, now offering yourself as a sacrifice to Christ in faith and life. In The Name of The + Father, and of The +
Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Each Candidate is now vested with a Cotta, after which he kneels before The Bishop at the foot of the Altar. The Bishop, facing the congregation, says: B: Dearly Beloved: Let us now humbly beseech God The Father Almighty to bless this His servant in the Office to which he has just been admitted, that by his service and conduct he may glorify Him Who is The Light of the world, Christ Jesus our Lord and God. The Bishop shall then remove his Mitre and give his Crozier to the bearer. He shall then stand and face the Holy Altar, saying: B: Let us pray. B: Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, Who didst speak to Moses and Aaron that the lamps should be lighted in the Tabernacle, Bless this Thy servant, that he may be a faithful Acolyte in Thy Holy Church. B: Almighty, everlasting God, Fountain of light and Source of all goodness, Who hast enlightened the world through Christ Jesus Thy Son, the True Light, and hast redeemed it through the
mystery of His Passion, vouchsafe to bless this Thy servant whom Thou has called to the Office of Acolyte. We beseech Thee in Thy mercy to illumine his mind with the light of Thy
knowledge, and to refresh him with the dew of Thy tender love, that with Thy help he may
faithfully serve Thee and Thy people here and in the varied walks of this life. Through the same
Christ Jesus our God and Lord. When the following Rite is used at The Divine Liturgy, it immediately precedes The Old Testament Lesson. The Candidate(s) shall be vested in Cassock, Amice, Alb, and Cincture. Each Candidate shall hold over his left arm a folded Tunicle and a Maniple. The Presentation The Presenter shall conduct the Candidate(s) to the Bishop who, with Mitre and Staff, shall be seated before the Chancel. Presenter: Reverend Father in God, I present unto you this man to be admitted to the Office and Work of a Subdeacon. B: Is this man whom you present duly prepared by his purity of life; When there is more than one Candidate, the Bishop continues: B: Please call their names. The Presenter shall then, in firm and loud voice, call the name of each Candidate. Each Candidate shall respond when his name is publicly called with: Present. The Examination B: Before you are ordained a Subdeacon in The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church you must declare before The Faithful your intention to undertake this Office and Work. B: Do you believe the canonical books of the Old and the New Testament to be the inspired Word of God and the sole rule and standard according to which all doctrine together with all teachers should be estimated and judged? B: Do you believe and profess the three Catholic and Öcumenical Creeds to be the unanimous, universal Christian Faith and confession of the Orthodox and Catholic Church, namely, The Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed? B: Do you hold and profess The Symbolical Writings of The Evangelical Catholic Church to be a faithful and unadulterated statement and exposition of the true Catholic and Orthodox doctrine of The Holy Scripture, namely, The Unaltered Augsburg Confession, The Apology of The Augsburg Confession, The Smalcald Articles, The Small and Large Catechisms of Dr. Martin Luther, and The Formula of Concord? B: Are you determined to assist the Pastor in his Ministry, especially when he celebrates The Divine Liturgy; B: Will you apply all your diligence to frame, mold and fashion your own life (and the lives of all your family members) to the doctrine of Christ; B: Will you reverently obey your Bishop and other Ministers, who, according to the Canons of The Church, may have the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will
their godly admonitions and submitting yourself to their godly judgement? The Ordination The Bishop individually speaks the following prayer over each Candidate as he places his hand on the Candidate's head: B: O Lord our God, Who, through one and the same Holy Spirit distributing gifts of grace to each one of those whom Thou hast chosen, hast given to Thy Holy Church divers Orders; Who,
through Thine inscrutable providence hast appointed degrees of ministry therein, for the service
of Thy Holy, Spotless Mysteries; and Who, through Thine ineffable foreknowledge, hast
ordained this Thy servant to be worthy to serve in Thy Holy Church: Do Thou, the same Lord,
preserve him uncondemned in all things. And grant that he may love the beauty of Thy House,
stand before the doors of Thy Holy Temple, and kindle the lamps in the tabernacle of Thy glory.
And plant him in Thy Holy Church like a fruitful olive tree, which bringeth forth the fruits of
righteousness. And make him Thy perfect servant in the time of Thine Advent, that he may
receive the recompense of those who are well-pleasing in Thy sight. For Thine are the Kingdom
and the Power and the Glory, of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, now, and
ever, and unto ages of ages. The Delivery of The Chalice with the Paten and Purificator B: Receive this Paten and Chalice for The Divine Liturgy. Keep them clean at all times. And remember that you must keep your heart and mind always clean in order that you may be a
worthy temple of The Holy Spirit. The Delivery of the Cruets The Presenter shall give each Candidate the Cruets for the wine and water. The Bishop shall stand and say to The Faithful:. B: Let us now pray to Almighty God that it may please Him to accept this His servant(s) now called unto the Office of Subdeacon in His Holy Church, and to pour upon him the grace of His Heavenly benediction. All pray silently. After the silent prayer, The Bishop (without his Mitre) shall stand and face the Candidate(s) to say (or sing in the tune of The Preface) the following. The Candidate(s) shall kneel. B: The Lord be with you. B: Lift up your hearts. B: Let us give thanks unto The Lord our God. B: O Lord God, our Father Almighty, extend Thy Blessing upon this Thy servant(s) now admitted to the Order of Subdeacon. Keep him in Thy ways. Make him ever holy, diligent, merciful, meek, and worthy of Thy service. Confirm him in Thy ministry with the strength of Thy Holy Spirit; that being obedient to They Commandments and constant in his faith, he may possess everlasting life. Through Christ Jesus our Lord. The Placing of the Amice on the Head of The Candidate(s) The Bishop shall take his seat and wear his Mitre. Then he shall place on the head of each Subdeacon the Amice that is already around the Candidate's neck, saying: B: Receive this Amice which signifies the guard that should be set over your words and remind you that you must sing God's praises in The Name of Christ + Jesus our Lord and God. The Placing of the Maniple on the Subdeacon's Left Arm While placing the Maniple, the Bishop shall say: B: Receive the Maniple that will remind you of your duty to render good fruits in your labor in the vineyard of God, which you will do in The Name of Christ + Jesus our Lord and God. The Bestowal of The Tunicle B: Receive this Tunicle, the garment of joy and gladness, and prove to be worthy of it by increasing in The Spirit of the Lord, Whose fruits are: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, and temperance. In The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The
Holy + Spirit. The Delivery of The Missal B: Receive this Book of Divine Office and read it diligently all the days of your life that someday you may wisely preach the Word of God, in The Name of Christ Jesus our Lord and God. The Bishop shall now have his Mitre removed and, standing, prays: B: Let us pray. The Divine Liturgy then continues. One of the new Subdeacons shall now read The Old Testament Lesson. All those admitted Subdeacons shall fully partake of The Holy Communion. The ordination of a Deacon should take place on a Sunday or Holyday during the celebration of The Divine Liturgy.
In order to permit The Faithful to more fully participate in this celebration, a chair for the Consecrator should be
placed before The Altar and seats for the Candidates placed so that The Faithful have an unobstructed view of the
liturgical rite. The following shall be prepared: Each Candidate shall wear the Amice, Alb, Cincture and Maniple, and have a lighted Chandle in his right hand. After the Collect of the Day, the Bishop (with Mitre and Crozier) shall take his seat before the Altar. When each Candidate, properly vested, stands before the Bishop, the Priest designated as Presenter (P) shall say: The Presentation P: Most Reverend Father in God, I present unto you this man present to be admitted to the Office and Work of a Deacon. B: Do you judge him to be worthy? When there is more than one Candidate, the Bishop continues: B: Please call their names. The Presenter shall then, in firm and loud voice, call the name of each Candidate. Each Candidate shall respond when his name is publicly called with: Present. Then the Bishop shall stand and say to The Faithful: B: Brethren, if there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or notable crime in this man presented to be ordained Deacon, for which he ought not to be admitted to that Office and Work, let him now come forth in The Name of God and show what the crime or impediment is. If no objector appears, the Bishop shall commend to the Prayers of The Faithful him who has been found meet to be ordained Deacon, saying: B:My dear People: B:Relying upon the guidance of The Holy Spirit, The Church hereby announces the election of N. and Her intent this day to ordain him to the Office and Work of Deacon in The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I now commend him who has been found meet to be ordained a Deacon to the prayers of those here present. Then shall the Bishop, with the whole Clergy and People present, sing or say The Litany, while the Candidate prostrates himself below the lowest step in front of The Altar. At the Suffrage for the Deacons and Priests, the Bishop, with Mitre and Crozier, stands to bless the Candidate, saying: B:That it may please Thee to bl+ess this Thy + servant(s), N., now to be admitted to the Order and Office of Deacon, and to pour Thy + grace upon him; that he may duly exercise his Office, to the edifying of Thy Holy Church and to the glory of Thy Holy Name.
The Bishop now gives up his Crozier and kneels again with his Mitre on. The Litany ended, The Divine Liturgy continues with The Old Testament Lesson. The Examination After the reading of The Epistle, the Bishop (with Mitre and Crozier) shall sit and examine the Candidate in the presence of The Faithful, in this manner: B: My son(s): N. N., are you willing to now be ordained for The Church's ministry of Deacon by the
laying-on-of-hands and the gift of The Holy Spirit? B: Do you believe the canonical books of the Old and the New Testament to be the inspired Word of God and the sole rule and standard according to which all doctrine together with all
teachers should be estimated and judged? B: Do you believe and profess the three Catholic and Ecumenical Creeds to be the unanimous, universal Christian Faith and confession of the Orthodox and Catholic Church, namely, The
Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed? B: Do you hold and profess The Symbolical Writings of The Evangelical Catholic Church to be a faithful and unadulterated statement and exposition of the true Catholic and Orthodox
doctrine of The Holy Scripture, namely, The Unaltered Augsburg Confession, The Apology of The Augsburg Confession, The Smalcald Articles, The Small and Large Catechisms of Dr. Martin Luther, and The Formula of Concord? B: Are you determined to assist the Pastor in his Ministry, especially when he celebrates The Divine Liturgy, and to help him in the distribution thereof; to publicly read The Holy
Scriptures in The Church; to instruct the youth in the catechism; in the absence of The Pastor, to baptize infants and adults; to faithfully preach The Word of God both in season and out of season, if you be so permitted by the Bishop; to search for the sick, poor, and impotent people of the Parish, that they may be relieved with the alms of The Faithful and come to know the love of God and their brothers and sisters in Christ? B: Will you apply all your diligence to frame, mold and fashion your own life (and the lives of all your family members) to the doctrine of Christ; to make (both) yourself (and your family),
as much as in you lies, wholesome examples to the flock of Christ? B: Will you reverently obey your Bishop and other Ministers, who, according to the Canons of The Church, may have the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and
will their godly admonitions and submitting yourself to their godly judgement? The Bishop shall stand and say to The Faithful: B:Let us pray to Almighty God that it may please Him to accept this His servant(s) now called unto the Office of Deacon in His Holy Church, and to pour upon him the grace of His Heavenly benediction. All pray silently. After the silent prayer, the Bishop (without his Mitre) shall stand and face the Candidate(s) to say (or sing in the tune of The Preface) the following. The Candidate(s) shall kneel. B: The Lord be with you. B: Lift up your hearts. B: Let us give thanks unto The Lord our God. B: It is truly meet, right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God; and especially are we bound to
praise Thee because in Thy great goodness Thou does send forth laborers into Thy harvest, and hast vouchsafed to call this Thy servant(s) into the Office and Work of Deacon in Thy Holy Church. Fill him, we beseech Thee, with Thy Holy Spirit, that, enabled by the sevenfold gifts of His grace, he may be faithful to his promises; modest, humble, and constant in his ministration, and may have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline; that, having always the testimony of a good conscience, he may continue ever stable and strong in Thy Son Christ Jesus, to Whom, with Thee and the same Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory,
world without end. The Bishop sits down and puts on the Mitre. Then the Candidate (one by one when there is more than one Candidate) shall kneel directly before the Bishop, who shall lay his hands upon the head of the Candidate, saying: B:The grace divine, which always heals that which is infirm, and completes that which is wanting, elevate, through the laying-on of my hands, N., to be a Deacon in The Holy Church of God. In the Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Addressing the congregation, the Bishop says:
Let us pray for N., that the grace of the All-Holy Spirit may come upon him. The Bishop, again placing his hand upon the Candidate's head, prays: O Lord our God, Who by Thy foreknowledge doest send down the fullness of The Holy Spirit upon those who are ordained by Thine inscrutable power to be Thy servitors, and to administer Thy spotless Sacraments: Do Thou, the same Sovereign Master, preserve also this man, whom Thou has been pleased to ordain, through me, by the Laying-on-of-Hands, to the service of the Deaconate, in all soberness of life, holding the mystery of the faith in pure conscience. Grant unto him the grace which Thou didst grant unto Stephen, Thy first
Martyr, whom also Thou didst call to be the first in all the work of Thy ministry; and make him worthy to administer after Thy pleasure the degree which it hath seemed good to Thee to confer upon him. For they who minister well prepare for themselves a good degree. And manifest him as wholly Thy servant. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of the Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages
of ages. And the Bishop, keeping his hand upon the head of him who is receiving Holy Orders, continues: O God our Saviour, Who by Thine incorruptible voice didst appoint unto Thine Apostles the law of the Deaconate, and didst manifest the first Martyr, Stephen, to be of the same; and dist proclaim him the first who should exercise the office of a Deacon, as it is written in Thy Holy Gospel: Whosoever desireth to be first among you, let him be your servant; Do Thou, O Master of all men, fill also this Thy servant, N., whom Thou hast graciously permitted to enter upon the ministry of a Deacon, with all faith, and love, and power, and holiness, through the inspiration of Thy Holy and Life-Giving Spirit; for not through the
Laying-on of my hands, but through the visitation of Thy rich bounties, is grace bestowed upon Thy worthy ones; that he, being devoid of all sin, may stand blameless before Thee in the terrible Day of Judgement, and receive the unfailing reward of Thy promise. For Thou are our God, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to The Father, and to The Son, and to The Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Taking the Stole, the Bishop presents the Cross at its center to be kissed by the Candidate and lays it on the Candidate's left shoulder, saying: B: Receive this Stole as a token of purity of life, for which you are bound to strive, and as a
reminder that you must zealously fulfill your Ministry. While one of the assisting Priests ties the extremities of the Stole on the right side of the Dandidate's body (should this be required because of the type of Stole used), the Bishop shall say: B:May the Almighty + God help you with His grace to achieve the same. The Bishop shall vest the Candidate with the Dalmatic, saying: B: May The Lord clothe you with the robe of virtue and the spiritual joy of the saintly souls. May the Dalmatic of justice ever surround you, In The Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Then the Bishop shall deliver a Bible to the Candidate, saying: B: Receive this Bible as the sign of your authority to proclaim God's Word and to assist in the ministrations of His Holy Sacraments. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and
practice what you teach. The Divine Liturgy continues with the reading of The Gospel by a newly ordained Deacon. The ordination of a Priest should take place on a Sunday or Holyday during the celebration of The Divine Liturgy. In order to permit The Faithful to more fully participate in this celebration, a chair for the Consecrator should be placed before The Altar and seats for the Candidates placed so that The Faithful have an unobstructed view of the liturgical rite. The following shall be prepared: Each Candidate shall be vested in Amice, Alb, Cincture, Stole worn over the breast in the manner of a Deacon, and Maniple. The Candidate(s) shall come forward with a Chasuble folded over the left arm, a napkin over the right arm, and a lighted Candle held in the right hand. After the Gospel of the Day, the Bishop (with Mitre and Crozier) shall take his seat before the Altar. When each Candidate, properly vested, stands before the Bishop, the Priest designated as Presenter (P) shall say: The Presentation P: Most Reverend Father in God: The Bishop then asks: B: Do you judge him to be worthy? When there is more than one Candidate, the Bishop continues: B: Please call their names. The Presenter shall then, in firm and loud voice, call the name of each Candidate. Each Candidate shall respond when his name is publicly called with: Present. Then the Bishop shall stand and say to The Faithful: B: Good People: If no objector appears, the Bishop shall commend to the Prayers of The Faithful him who has been found meet to be ordained Priest, saying: B: My dear People: B: Relying upon the guidance of The Holy Spirit, The Church hereby announces the election of N., N. and Her intent this day to ordain him to the Office and Work of Priest in The One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The Exhortation to the Candidate(s) Then shall follow the Bishop's Exhortation to the Candidate(s), after which, with the whole Clergy and People present, the Bishop shall sing or say The Litany while the Candidate(s) prostrates himself below the lowest step in front of The Altar. The Litany for the Ministry B: We humbly pray that Thou wouldst hear us, O Lord; and that Thou wouldst send peace to the whole world, which Thou has reconciled to Thyself by the ministry of Thy Son, Jesus. B: That Thou woulds guide all in civil authority to establish justic and maintain it for all men. B: That Thou wouldst heal the divisions of Thy Church, that She may be truly One. B: That Thou wouldst grant to Thy people the forgiveness of sins, and give us grace to amend our lives. B: That Thou wouldst lead every member of Thy Church in his particular vocation and ministry to serve Thee in a true and godly life. B: That Thou wouldst raise up able ministers for Thy Church, that The Gospel may be made known to all people. B: That Thou wouldst inspire all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons with Thy love, that they may hunger for Truth and thirst after Righteousness. B: That Thou wouldst fill them with compassion, and move them to care for all Thy people. The Bishop, with Mitre and Crozier, stands to bless the Candidate(s) for Holy Ordination, saying: B: That it may please Thee to bl+ess this Thy + servant(s), N., now to be admitted to the Order and Office of Deacon/Priest, and to pour Thy + grace upon him; that he may duly exercise his Office, to the edifying of Thy Holy Church and to the glory of Thy Holy Name.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
The Bishop now gives up his Crozier and kneels again with his Mitre on, and continues: B: That Thou wouldst bless his family/the members of his household or community, and adorn them with all Christian virtues. B: That by the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit Thou wouldst sustain those who have been called to the ministry of Thy Church, and encourage them to persevere to the end. B: That we, with [Thy blessed servant, St. ____________, and] all Thy saints who have fallen asleep before us in the sure hope of resurrection unto life eternal, may be gathered into Thy unending Kingdom. B: Lord God, hear our petitions and give Thy help to this act of our ministry this day. We judge this man worthy to serve Thee in Thy Most Holy Church as a Deacon/Priest and we ask Thee to bless him and make him holy. Grant this through Christ Jesus our Lord and only Savior. The Litany ended, The Divine Liturgy continues with The Homily. After the Homily, the Bishop (with Mitre and Crozier) shall sit and examine the Candidate(s) in the presence of The Faithful, in this manner: The Examination B: My dear son(s) in Christ Jesus our God and Savior: N. N., do you think and believe in your heart(s) that you are truly called of God to the Order and Ministry of Priesthood?
Candidate(s): I do so believe. B: Do you believe the canonical books of the Old and the New Testament to be the inspired
Word of God and the sole rule and standard according to which all doctrine together with all teachers should be estimated and judged? B: Do you believe and profess the three Catholic and Ecumenical Creeds to be the unanimous, universal Christian Faith and confession of the Orthodox and Catholic Church, namely, The
Apostles' Creed, The Nicene Creed, and The Athanasian Creed? B: Do you hold and profess The Symbolical Writings of The Evangelical Catholic Church to be a faithful and unadulterated statement and exposition of the true Catholic and Orthodox doctrine of The Holy Scriptures, namely, The Unaltered Augsburg Confession, The Apology of The Augsburg Confession, The Smalcald Articles, The Small and Large Catechisms of Dr. Martin Luther, and The Formula of Concord? B: Are you resolved to celebrate The Holy Mysteries faithfully and religiously as The Church has handed them down to us for the glory of God and the sanctification of Christ's people? B: Are you resolved to exercise the Office of The Word, the Holy Ministry, worthily and wisely, faithfully proclaiming The Gospel and teaching the Catholic and Orthodox Faith? B: Are you resolved to consecrate your life to God for the salvation of His people, and to unite yourself more closely every day to Christ the High Priest and Good Shepherd, Who offered Himself for us to The Father as a perfect sacrifice? B: Will you apply all your diligence to frame, mold and fashion your own life (and the lives of all your family members) to the doctrine of Christ; to make (both) yourself (and your family), as much as in you lies, wholesome examples to the flock of Christ? B: Will you reverently obey your Bishop and other Ministers, who, according to the Canons of The Church, may have the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions and submitting yourself to their godly judgement? The Bishop shall stand and say to The Faithful: B:The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the
harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest (Matthew 9:37-38). The Bishop shall remove his Mitre, then continues: B: Let us pray. Now the Bishop, the Candidate(s), and the People shall kneel. The Bishop gives up his Crozier. The following (Veni, Creator Spiritus) may be said or sung: After the above hymn (Veni, Creator Spiritus) the Bishop (without his Mitre) shall stand and face the Candidate(s) to say (or sing in the tune of The Preface) the following. The Candidate(s) shall remain kneeling. B: The Lord be with you. B: Lift up your hearts. B: Let us give thanks unto The Lord our God. B: It is truly meet, right and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God, Who, of Thine infinite love and goodness towards us, hast given to us Thy Only and Most Dearly Beloved Son, Christ Jesus, to be our Redeemer and the Author of Everlasting Life; Who, after He had made perfect our redemption by His death, and was ascended into Heaven, sent abroad into the world His Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Doctors, and pastors, by whose labor and
ministry He gathered together a great flock in all parts of the world, to set forth the eternal praise of Thy Holy Name: For these so great benefits of Thy eternal goodness and for that Thou hast vouchsafed to call this Thy servant N., here present to the same Office and
Ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind, we render unto Thee the most hearty thanks, we praise and worship Thee; and we humbly beseech Thee, by the same Thy Blessed Son, to endue N., with all grace needful for his Calling; and grant unto all, who either here or elsewhere call upon Thy Holy Name, that we may continue to show ourselves thankful unto
Thee for this and all Thy other benefits; and that we may daily increase and go forwards in
the knowledge and faith of Thee and Thy Son, by The Holy Spirit. So that as well by this
Thy Minister, as by them over whom he shall be appointed Thy Priest, Thy Holy Name may
be forever glorified, and Thy blessed Kingdom enlarged; through the same, Thy Son, Christ
Jesus our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Spirit,
world without end. The Bishop sits down and puts on the Mitre. Then the Candidate (one by one when there is more than one Candidate) shall kneel directly before the Bishop, who shall lay his hands upon the head of the Candidate, saying: B: The grace divine, which always heals that which is infirm, and completes that which is
wanting, elevate, through the laying-on of our hands, N., the most devout Deacon, to be a
Priest in The Holy Church of God. Whose sins thou dost forgive, they are forgiven; and whose sins thou dost retain, they are retained. And be thou a faithful Dispenser of the Word of God and of His Holy Mysteries. In the Name of The + Father, and of The + Son, and of The Holy + Spirit. Amen. B: Let us pray for N., that the grace of the All-Holy Spirit may come upon him. The Bishop, blessing the Ordinand thrice and then leaving his hand upon the Candidate's head, prays: B: O God, Who hast no beginning and no ending; Who art older than every created thing; Who crownest with the name of Presbyter those whom Thou deemest worthy to serve the Word of Thy Truth in the divine ministry of this degree: Do Thou, the same Lord of all men, deign to preserve in pureness of life and in unswerving faith this man also, upon whom, through me, Thou hast graciously been pleased to lay hands. Be favorably pleased to grant unto him the great grace of Thy Holy Spirit, and make him wholly Thy servant, in all things acceptable unto Thee, and worthily exercising the great honours of the priesthood which Thou hast
conferred upon him by Thy precious power. For Thin is the majesty and Thine are the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. And the Bishop, again blessing thrice him who is receiving Ordination, keeping his hand upon the Ordinand's head, continues: B: O God great in might and inscrutable in wisdom, marvelous in counsel above the sons of men: Do Thou the very same Lord, fill with the gift of Thy Holy Spirit this man whom it hath pleased Thee to advance to the degree of Priest; that he may be worthy to stand in innocency before Thine Altar; to proclaim the Gospel of Thy Kingdom; to minister the word of Thy Truth; to offer unto Thee spiritual gifts and sacrifices; to renew Thy people through the laver of regeneration. That when he shall go to meet Thee at the Second Coming of our great God and Savior, Jesus the Christ, Thine Only-Begotten Son, he may receive the reward of a good steward in the degree committed unto him, through the plenitude of Thy Goodness. For blessed and glorified is Thine All-Holy and Majestic Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Spirit, now and ever, world without end. Then the Bishop, with Crozier, shall deliver to the Ordinand the Holy Bible, saying: B: Take thou authority to preach the Word of God and to administer the Holy Sacraments in
the Congregation, when thou shall be lawfully appointed thereunto. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.
C: Amen. Here the Ordinand shall stand before the Bishop, who shall cause the Stole to be worn priestwise. The Bishop shall then say: B: Receive the yoke of The Lord; For His yoke is easy and His burden light. After modifying the Stole, the Bishop shall, with the help of a Priest, cause the Chasuble to be worn by the ordinand. He shall then say: B: Receive the priestly vestment as a token of love; may God our Father Almighty bestow upon you the gift of true charity. This said, the Ordinand again kneels. The Bishop, without Mitre, stands and says over the Ordinand: B: O God, the Author of all sanctification, we beseech Thee to send Thy Heavenly blessings upon this Thy servant N., that he may be clothed with righteousness, and that Thy Word, spoken by his mouth, may have such success, that it may never be uttered in vain. Grant also that we may have grace to accept what he shall deliver out of Thy Most Holy Word, as the means of our salvation; that in all our words and deeds we may ever seek Thy glory, and the increase of Thy Kingdom; through Christ Jesus our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee and The Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. After the above prayer, the Bishop sits and one of the Priests shall put on him the Mitre. Then he removes his gloves to anoint with the Holy Chrism the palms of the Ordinand, who shall kneel before him. The Bishop says: B: O Lord, we beseech Thee to consecrate and sanctify these hands with Thy holy + blessing and this anointing, that all things blessed by this Thy servant be blessed, and those that be
consecrated be consecrated and + sanctified in Thy Holy Name. The anointing done, the Bishop cleans his fingers with bread and then joins the hands of each Ordinand, causing them to be loosely tied with a white napkin. Then the Bishop shall cause the Chalice (with wine) and the Paten (with a host) to be grasped by the ordinand. The Bishop then says: B: Take thou Authority to celebrate The Divine Liturgy + in The Name of The Father, and of
The Son, and of The Holy Spirit. The Divine Liturgy then continues with The Offertory, at which time the ties on the hands of each Ordinand is removed. The Ordinand's hands are cleansed with water and bread. Where customary, the newly ordained concelebrate with the Bishop.(Return)
I present unto you this man to be admitted to the Office of Door-Keeper, Reader, Acolyte in the Church of God.
Is he regular in his attendance at The Divine Liturgy?
Does he know his duties and will he exercise his ministry to the honor of God and the edifying of God's Holy Church?
P: I have inquired concerning him and also examined him and believe him so to be.
Are you convinced that the work of the Ministry to which you are to be admitted this day is so
important that when you are admitted thereto you should diligently perform the same?
Candidate(s): I am so convinced.
Candidate(s): I will try so to do.
Candidate(s): I will so strive, the Lord being my helper. I Chron. 9:26
C: Amen.
Candidate(s): I will so strive, the Lord being my helper.
O Lord God Almighty, elect this Thy servant(s), and sanctify him; and enable him, with all wisdom and understanding, to exercise the study and reading of Thy Divine Word, preserving him in blamelessness of life. Through the mercies and bounties and love towards mankind of Thine Only-begotten Son, with whom also Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever.
C: Amen.. Nehemiah 8:1
Reader(s): Amen.
Reader(s): Amen.
O Almighty God, Whose blessed Son read the Holy Scriptures in the synagogue; Look graciously upon this Reader of Thy Church and enlighten him with wisdom and understanding
that he may read Thy Holy Word to the edification of Thy people and the glory of Thy Most
Holy Name. Through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reader(s): Amen.
Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, we beseech Thee to bless this Thy servant(s). Help him perform the duties of his sacred Office as Reader of Thy Word, that he may prove himself worthy of Thy glory and the life everlasting.
C: Amen.
I now ask you, therefore: Do you accept this Ministry to which you have been called and do you
promise to discharge its duties faithfully, in the fear of God and in accordance with the
principles and usage of The Church? Will you do this with loving care, and study to live worthy
of this high service?
Candidate(s): I will so strive, the Lord being my helper. St. Luke 12:35
B: Blessed is the Lord. N., I admit you to the Minor Order of Acolyte in the most Holy Church of N..
Acolyte(s): Amen.
Acolyte(s): Amen
O Glorious King, before Whose Heavenly Throne the Angels stand to do Thy Will, Bless, we beseech Thee, the Acolytes of Thy Church, that ministering before Thine earthly throne they may serve Thee with reverence and holiness, to the honor and glory of Thy Most Holy Name. Through Christ Jesus our Lord.
C: Amen.
C: Amen
C: Amen(Return)
Is he regular in his attendance at
The Divine Liturgy;
Does he know his duties;
has he received the other Minor Orders;
and is he prepared to exercise his Ministry to the honor and glory of God and the edification of His Church?
Presenter: I have instructed and examined him, and believe him so to be, Reverend Father.
N. N., are you willing to now be ordained for The Church's ministry of Subdeacon by the
laying-on-of-hands and the gift of The Holy Spirit?
Candidate(s): I am.
Candidate(s): I do so believe.
Candidate(s): I do so believe and confess.
Candidate(s): I do so hold and profess.
to publicly read The Old Testament and Epistle Lessons in The Church;
to clean the Nave and Apse of the Church;
to prepare the vestments and items used during The Divine
Liturgy;
to assist at all liturgical celebrations;
and to bear the Processional Cross when required?
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
to make (both) yourself (and your family), as
much as in you lies, wholesome examples to the flock of Christ?
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
C: Amen.
C: And with you His servant.
C: We lift them up unto The Lord.
C: It is meet and right so to do.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
O Almighty God, Bless, we beseech Thee, this Thy servant(s) that in Thy Sanctuary he may be a zealous and watchful sentinel(s) of the Heavenly Host and serve faithfully at Thy Holy Altar. Grant that Thy Holy Spirit rests upon him and confirm him in his ministry; that being docile and obedient in word and work he may obtain Thy grace. Through Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
C: Amen. (Return)
- Mass & Ordination vestments for the Consecrator
- A Bible, Candle, Amice, Alb, Cincture, Stole, Maniple, and Dalmatic for each Candidate.
P: I have inquired concerning him, and also examined him, and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, I testify that he has been found worthy, Reverend Father.
There being no lawful objection, I ask you to declare your will that the deaconate be
conferred upon N.Is he worthy?
C: He is worthy! He is worthy! He is worthy!
Before you are ordained a Deacon in The Church you must declare before The Faithful your intention to undertake this Office and Work.
Candidate(s): I am.
Candidate(s): I do so believe.
Candidate(s): I do so believe and confess.
Candidate(s): I do so hold and profess.
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
C: And with you His servant.
C: We lift them up unto The Lord.
C: It is meet and right so to do.
C: Amen.
C:Amen.
C:Amen.
C:Amen.
C:Amen
C:Amen.(Return)
- Mass & Ordination vestments for the Consecrator
- A Bible, Candle, Amice, Alb, Cincture, Stole, Maniple, and Chasuble for each Candidate.
- A Chalice with Wine, Paten containing Bread
- A Vessel containing the Holy Chrism
- Water and Napkins for the washing of hands.
Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain this man present to the Order and Ministry of Priest.
P: I have inquired concerning him, and also examined him, and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, I testify that he has been found worthy, Reverend Father.
Here present before you is he whom we purpose, God willing, to receive this day unto the
Holy Office of Priest. If there be any of you who knoweth any impediment or notable Crime in this man present to be ordained priest for which he ought not to be admitted to that Work and Office, let him now come forth in The Name of God and show what the crime or impediment is.
There being no lawful objection, I ask you to declare your will that the priesthood be conferred upon N. Is he worthy?
C: He is worthy! He is worthy! He is worthy!
C:Thanks be to God.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Lord, hear our prayer.
C: Amen.
Before you are ordained a Priest in The Church you must declare before The Faithful your intention to undertake this Office and Work.
Candidate(s): I do so believe.
Candidate(s): I do so believe and confess.
Candidate(s): I do so hold and profess.
Candidate(s): I am, with the help of God.
Candidate(s): I am, with the help of God.
Candidate(s): I am, with the help of God.
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
Candidate(s): I will so do, by the help of God.
Almighty God, Who hath given you this will to do all these things, Grant also unto you strength and power to perform the same, that He may accomplish His work which He hath begun in you; through Christ Jesus our Lord.
C: Amen.
IS COMFORT, LIFE, AND FIRE OF LOVE.
Enable with perpetual light
THE DULLNESS OF OUR BLINDED SIGHT.
WITH THE ABUNDANCE OF THY GRACE.
Keep far our foes, give peace at home
WHERE THOU ART GUIDE, NO ILL CAN COME.
AND THEE, OF BOTH, TO BE BUT ONE;
that, through the ages all along,
THIS MAY BE OUR ENDLESS SONG:
FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT. AMEN.
C: And with you His servant.
C: We lift them up unto The Lord.
C: It is meet and right so to do.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Thank be to God.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.
C: Amen.(Return)
The Church & Her Faith
P. O. Box #28624
Scottsdale, Arizona 85255-0160
