The Rites of Ordination

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20

The Holy Scriptures and ancient Christian writers make it clear that from the apostles’ time, there have been different ministries within the Church. In particular, since the time of the New Testament, three distinct orders of ordained ministers have been characteristic of Christ’s holy catholic Church. First, there is the order of bishops who carry on the apostolic work of leading, supervising, and uniting the church. Secondly, associated with them are the presbyters, or ordained elders, generally known as priest. Together with the bishops, they take part in the governance of the Church, in the carrying out of its missionary and pastoral work, and in the preaching of the Word of God and administering his holy Sacraments. Thirdly, there are deacons who assist bishops and priests in all of this work. It is also a special responsibility of deacons to minister in Christ’s name to the poor, the sick, the suffering and the helpless.

The persons who are chosen and recognized by the Church as being called by God to the ordained ministry are admitted to these sacred orders by solemn prayer and the laying on of episcopal hands. It has been, and is, the intention and purpose of this Church to maintain and continue these three orders; and for this purpose these services of ordination and consecration are appointed. No persons are allowed to exercise the offices of bishop, priest, or deacon in this Church unless they are so ordained, or have already received such ordination with the laying on of hands by bishops who are themselves duly qualified to confer Holy Orders.

It is also recognized and affirmed that the threefold ministry is not the exclusive property of this portion of Christ’s catholic Church, but is a gift from God for the nurture of his people and the proclamation of his Gospel everywhere. Accordingly, the manner of ordaining in this Church is to be such as has been, and is, most generally recognized by Christian people as suitable for the conferring of the sacred orders of bishop, priest and deacon.

                              CONCERNING THE
                          ORDINATION OF A BISHOP

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. Hebrews 5: 1-5

In keeping with the ancient custom, if at all possible , Bishops should be ordained on Sundays and other feast of apostles or evangelists.

When a bishop is to be ordained, the Presiding Bishop of the Church, or a bishop appointed by the Presiding bishop, presides and serves as chief consecrator. At least two other bishops serve as co-consecrators.

Representatives of the presbyterate, diaconate, and laity of the diocese for which the new bishop is to be consecrated, are assigned appropriate duties in the service.

From the beginning of the service until the Offertory, the chief consecrator presides from a chair placed close to the people, so that all may see and hear what is done. The other bishops, or a convenient number of them, sit to the right and left of the chief consecrator.

The bishop-elect is vested in a rochet or alb, without stole, tippet or other vesture distinctive of ecclesiastical or academic rank or order.

When the bishop-elect is presented, his/her full name is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate to refer to him/her only by the Christian name by which he/she wishes to be known.

At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to the Altar by the family or friends of the newly ordained.

The family of the newly ordained may receive Communion before other members of the congregation. Opportunity is always given to the people to communicate.

                                 CONCERNING THE

                          ORDINATION OF A PRIEST

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed. I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it, not for solid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.             1 Peter 5:1-5

When a bishop is to confer Holy Orders, at least two presbyters must be present.

From the beginning of the service until the Offertory, the bishop presides from a chair placed close to the people, and facing them, so that all may see and hear what is done.

The ordinand is to be vested in surplice or alb, without stole, tippet, or other vesture distinctive of ecclesiastical or academic rank or order.

When the ordinand is presented, his/her name is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to the Altar by the familly and friends of the newly ordained.

At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to the Altar by the family and friends of the newly ordained.

At the Great Thanksgiving, the new priest and other priest stand at the Altar with the bishop, as associates and fellow ministers of the Sacrament, and communicate with the bishop.

The family of the newly ordained may receive Communion before other members of the congregation. Opportunity is always given for the people to communicate.

                       CONCERNING THE ORDINATION
                                      OF A DEACON

Teach me O Lord the way of your statutes, and I will observe it to the end.
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it. Psalm 119:33-35

When a bishop is to confer Holy Orders, at least two presbyters must be present.

From the beginning of the service until the Offertory, the bishop presides from a chair placed close to the people, and facing them so that all may see and hear what is done.

The ordinand is to be vested in a surplice or alb, without tippet or other vesture distinctive of ecclesiastical or academic rank or office.

When the ordinand is presented, his/her full name is used. Thereafter, it is appropriate to refer to him/her only by the Christian name by which he/she wishes to be known.

At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be brought to the Altar by the family or friends of the newly ordained.

After receiving Holy communion, the new deacon assists in the distribution of the Sacrament, ministering either the Bread or the “wine, or both.

The family of the newly ordained may receive communion before the other members of the congregation. Opportunity is always given to the people to communicate.