Ordination to the Diaconate #
The one chosen to be ordained a deacon is led from the center of the church by two deacons through the Royal Doors into the altar. Bowing low before the bishop, who at that moment is seated on the kafedra (cathedra) near the Holy Table on the right side, he receives the bishop’s blessing. Then the one to be ordained is led three times around the altar by the protodeacon, each time kissing the corners of the Holy Table, the bishop’s hand, and his palitsa. The kissing of the altar symbolizes the fervent love of the ordinand for God, while the kissing of the bishop’s hand and epigonation signifies obedience to episcopal authority. The procession around the altar expresses spiritual triumph; during it, the choir sings:
“O holy martyrs, who have nobly suffered and been crowned, pray unto the Lord to save our souls. Glory to Thee, O Christ God, boast of the apostles and joy of the martyrs, whose preaching proclaimed the consubstantial Trinity.”
After completing the three processions around the altar, the ordinand kneels on his right knee at the left side of the Holy Table, laying his hands crosswise upon the Table and bowing his head upon them. The bishop then covers his head with the omophor and places his own hand upon the ordinand’s head, loudly proclaiming the prayer:
“The divine grace…”
The singers respond: “Kyrie eleison; Lord, have mercy.”
Thereafter, the bishop silently reads two prayers (“O Lord our God…” and “O God our Savior…”) in which he beseeches our Lord and God Jesus Christ to preserve the newly-ordained “in all honor” and to grant him faith, love, and strength for the fulfillment of his ministry. While these prayers are being read, the deacon recites the litany: “In peace let us pray to the Lord” (in a quiet voice); those in the altar respond softly: “Lord, have mercy.”
At the conclusion of the prayers, the bishop places upon the newly ordained the vestments of his rank: the stichar (robe), orar (stole), and poruchi (cuffs), each time loudly proclaiming:
“Axios!” (Worthy!)
The singers, on behalf of the clergy and the people, repeat this acclamation in Greek: “Axios!”