Positions in the Orthodox Church. Christian hierarchy

The priesthood of the Russian Orthodox Church is divided into three degrees, established by the holy apostles: deacons, priests and bishops. The first two include both white (married) clergy and black (monastic) clergy. Only persons who have taken monastic vows are elevated to the last, third degree. All church titles and positions of Orthodox Christians have been established in accordance with this order.

Church hierarchy that came from the Old Testament times

The order according to which Orthodox Christians are divided into three different degrees of church titles dates back to Old Testament times. This happens due to religious continuity. It is known from the Holy Scriptures that about one and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ, the founder of Judaism, the prophet Moses, selected special people for divine services - high priests, priests and Levites. It is with them that our modern church titles and positions are associated.

The first of the high priests was Moses' brother Aaron, and his sons, who led all the divine services, became priests. But, in order to perform the numerous sacrifices that were an integral part of religious rituals, helpers were needed. They were the Levites - the descendants of Levi, the son of the forefather Jacob. These three categories of clergymen of the Old Testament era became the basis on which all the church titles of the Orthodox Church are built today.

The Lower Order of the Priesthood

When looking at church titles in ascending order, one should start with deacons. This is the lowest priestly office, upon ordination into which is acquired the Grace of God, necessary to fulfill the role that is assigned to them in divine services. The deacon does not have the right to independently conduct church services and perform the sacraments, but is only obliged to help the priest. A monk ordained to the deacon is called a hierodeacon.

Deacons who have served for a fairly long period of time and have proven themselves well, receive the title of protodeacons (senior deacons) in the white clergy, and archdeacons in the black. The latter's privilege is the right to serve under the bishop.

It should be noted that all church services today are structured in such a way that, in the absence of deacons, they can be performed without much difficulty by priests or bishops. Therefore, the participation of a deacon in divine services, while not being obligatory, is rather an adornment than an integral part of it. As a result, in some parishes, where serious material difficulties are felt, this staffing unit is reduced.

The second rung of the priestly hierarchy

Considering further the church ranks in ascending order, one should dwell on the priests. The holders of this dignity are also called elders (in Greek "elder"), or priests, and in monasticism, hieromonks. Compared to deacons, this is a higher level of priesthood. Accordingly, when ordained, a greater degree of the Grace of the Holy Spirit is acquired.

Since evangelical times, priests have been leading the divine services and are entitled to perform most of the holy ordinances, including everything except ordination, that is, ordination, as well as the consecration of antimenses and peace. In accordance with the duties assigned to them, priests direct the religious life of urban and rural parishes, where they can hold the post of rector. The priest is directly subordinate to the bishop.

For a long and impeccable service, the priest of the white clergy is encouraged by the title of archpriest (chief priest) or protopresbyter, and of the black one - by the rank of hegumen. Among the monastic clergy, the abbot, as a rule, is appointed to the post of abbot of an ordinary monastery or parish. In the event that he is instructed to lead a large monastery or lavra, he is called an archimandrite, which is an even higher and honorable title. It is from the archimandrites that the episcopate is formed.

Bishops of the Orthodox Church

Further, listing church titles in ascending order, it is necessary to pay special attention to the highest group of hierarchs - bishops. They belong to the category of clergymen called bishops, that is, chiefs of priests. Having received the greatest degree of the Grace of the Holy Spirit during ordination, they have the right to perform all church ordinances without exception. They are given the right not only to conduct any church services themselves, but also to ordain deacons to the priesthood.

According to the Church Rule, all bishops have an equal degree of priesthood, with the most honored of them being called archbishops. A special group is made up of the metropolitan bishops, called metropolitans. This name comes from the Greek word "metropolis", which means "capital". In those cases when another bishop is appointed to help one bishop holding a high office, he bears the title of vicar, that is, a deputy. The bishop is placed at the head of the parishes of the whole region, in this case called the diocese.

Primate of the Orthodox Church

Finally, the highest rank of the church hierarchy is the patriarch. He is elected by the Council of Bishops and, together with the Holy Synod, leads the entire local church. According to the Charter, adopted in 2000, the dignity of the patriarch is life-long, but in some cases the bishop's court is given the right to try him, depose him and decide on his retirement.

In those cases when the patriarchal see is vacant, the Holy Synod elects from among its permanent members a locum tenens who performs the functions of the patriarch until his legal election.

Church ministers who do not have the grace of God

Having mentioned all church ranks in ascending order and returning to the very foundation of the hierarchical ladder, it should be noted that in the church, besides the clergy, that is, clergymen who have passed the sacrament of ordination and were vouchsafed to gain the Grace of the Holy Spirit, there is an even lower category - clergy. These include subdeacons, psalmists, and sextons. Despite their church ministry, they are not priests and vacancies are accepted without ordination, but only with the blessing of the bishop or archpriest - the rector of the parish.

The duties of the psalmist include reading and singing during church services and during the performance of the priest's services. The sexton entrusts to call the parishioners to the church by bell ringing at the beginning of the services, to make sure that candles are lit in the church, if necessary, help the psalmist and give the censer to the priest or deacon.

Subdeacons also take part in divine services, but only together with the bishops. Their duties are to help the Vladyka put on his vestments before the beginning of the service and, if necessary, change vestments in the process. In addition, the subdeacon gives the bishop lamps - dikiriy and trikiriy - for the blessing of those praying in the church.

The legacy of the holy apostles

We have looked at all church titles in ascending order. In Russia and among other Orthodox peoples, these ranks bear the blessing of the holy apostles - disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. It was they who, having become the founders of the earthly Church, established the existing order of the church hierarchy, taking as an example the example of the Old Testament times.

In order to be guided in more detail in who leads the service in the church or who speaks on television from the Russian Orthodox Church, you need to know exactly what ranks are in the Church and the Monastery, as well as their hierarchy. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with

In the Orthodox world, Church ranks are divided into the ranks of the white clergy (Church ranks) and the black clergy ranks (Monastic ranks).

CHURCH ORDERS OR WHITE Clergy

CHURCH OFFICES - ALTARNIK

In the secular sense, the Church rank of the Altar boy has recently begun to disappear, and instead the rank of Ponomar or Novice is mentioned more and more. The tasks of the Altarpiece include the duties to fulfill the instructions of the abbot of the temple, as a rule, these duties include maintaining the candle fire in the temple, lighting the lamps and other lighting devices in the altar and iconostasis, they also help the priests to put on clothes, bring prosphora, incense to the temple and perform other rough work. The altar boy can be recognized by the fact that he wears the surplice over worldly clothing. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with

CHURCH OFFICES - READER

This is the lowest order of the church and the reader is not included in the priesthood. The duties of the reader include reading sacred texts and prayers during the service. In case of promotion in the rank, the reader is ordained a subdeacon.

CHURCH OFFICES - THE HYPODIAKON

It is something intermediate between the laity and the clergy. Unlike the readers and altar men, the subdeacon is allowed to touch the throne and the altar, as well as enter the altar through the royal gates, although the subdeacon is not a priest. The duties of this Church rite include helping the Bishop in the Divine Services. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with

CHURCH OFFICES - DIAKON

The lowest level of clergy, as a rule, it is the duty of deacons to help the priests in the divine services, although they themselves do not have the right to perform public services and be representatives of the church. Since the priest has the opportunity to perform the rituals without a deacon, the number of deacons is currently decreasing, since they are no longer needed.

CHURCH OFFICES - PROTODIAKON OR PROTODYACON

This rank indicates the chief deacon in cathedrals, as a rule, such an order is awarded to a deacon after at least 15 years of service and is a special reward for service.

CHURCH OFFICES - PRIEST

Currently, this order is worn by priests, and is celebrated as the junior title of priest. Priests, receiving power from bishops, have the right to conduct church rituals, teach people the Orthodox faith and perform other sacraments, but at the same time, priests are prohibited from ordaining to priesthood.

CHURCH OFFICES - PROTOREYS

CHURCH OFFICES - PROTOPRESVITER

The highest Church rank in the white clergy is not, as it were, a separate rank and is awarded only as a reward for the most deserved deeds before the Orthodox faith and is appointed only by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

Monastic orders or black clergy

CHURCH OFFICES - HERODIACON: He is a monk in the rank of deacon.
CHURCH OFFICES - ARCHIDIAKON: He is a senior hierodeacon.
CHURCH OFFICES - HEROMONS: He is a monastic priest with the right to perform Orthodox sacraments.
CHURCH OFFICES - OGUMEN: He is the abbot of an Orthodox monastery.
CHURCH OFFICES - ARCHIMADRID: The highest degree in monastic ranks, but occupying a step lower than the bishop.
CHURCH OFFICES - BISHOP: This rite is an overseer and has the third degree of the priesthood and it is possible to also be called a bishop.
CHURCH OFFICES - METROPOLITAN: The highest title of bishop in the church.
CHURCH OFFICES - PATRIARCH: The most senior rank of the Orthodox Church.

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everything about dignities of priests, dignities of the Russian Orthodox Church and their vestments

Following the example of the Old Testament Church, where the high priest, priests and Levites were, the holy Apostles also established in the New Testament Christian Church three degrees of priesthood: bishops, elders (i.e. priests) and deacons. All of them are called priests, because through the sacrament of the priesthood they receive the grace of the Holy Spirit for the sacred service of the Church of Christ; perform divine services, teach people the Christian faith and a good life (piety) and manage church affairs.

Bishops constitute the highest order in the Church. They receive the highest degree of grace. Bishops are also called bishops, that is, the chiefs of the priests (priests). Bishops can perform all Sacraments and all Church services. This means that the bishops have the right not only to perform ordinary divine services, but also to ordain (ordain) to clergy, as well as to consecrate myrrh and antimensions, which is not given to priests.

According to the degree of priesthood, all bishops are equal to each other, but the oldest and most honored of the bishops are called archbishops, while the metropolitan bishops are called metropolitans, since the capital is called the metropolis in Greek. Bishops of ancient capitals, such as Jerusalem, Constantinople (Constantinople), Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and from the 16th century, the Russian capital of Moscow, are called patriarchs. From 1721 to 1917, the Russian Orthodox Church was ruled by the Holy Synod. In 1917, the Holy Council assembled in Moscow was again elected to rule the Russian Orthodox Church "His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia."

Metropolitans

To help the bishop, another bishop is sometimes given, who, in this case, is called vicar, that is, the governor. Exarch- the title of the head of a separate church district. At present, there is only one exarch - the Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl, who is in charge of the Belarusian exarchate.

Priests, but in Greek priests or elders, constitute the second holy order after the bishop. Priests can perform, with the blessing of the bishop, all ordinances and church services, except for those that are supposed to be performed only by the bishop, that is, except for the sacrament of the priesthood and the consecration of the world and antimensions.

The Christian community, subordinate to the jurisdiction of the priest, is called his parish.
More worthy and honored priests are given the title archpriest, that is, the main priest, or the leading priest, and the main one between them is the title protopresbyter.
If a priest is at the same time a monk (black priesthood), then he is called hieromonk, that is, a priestly monk.

In monasteries, there are up to six degrees of preparation for the angelic image:
Worker / laborer- lives and works in a monastery, but has not yet chosen the monastic path.
Novice / Novice- a laborer who passed in the monastery of obedience, who received the blessing to wear a cassock and a skufeyka (apostle for women). At the same time, the novice retains a worldly name. A seminarian or parish sexton is admitted to the monastery in the rank of novice.
Rassophoric Acolyte / Rassophoric Acolyte- a novice who is blessed to wear some monastic clothes (for example, a robe, a kamilavka (sometimes a cowl) and a rosary). Rasophoric or monastic tonsure (monk / nun) - a symbolic (as at baptism) hair cutting and giving a new name in honor of the new heavenly patron, blessed to wear a cassock, kamilavka (sometimes klobuk) and rosary.
Mantle or monastic tonsure or a small angelic image or a small schema ( monk / nun) - vows of obedience and renunciation of the world are given, hair is cut symbolically, the name of the heavenly patron is changed, and monastic clothes are blessed: hair shirt, cassock, slippers, paramanic cross, rosary, belt (sometimes leather belt), cassock, hood, mantle, apostle.
Schema or the great schema or the great angelic image ( schema-monk, schema-monk / schema-nun, schema-nun) - the same vows are given again, the hair is cut symbolically, the name of the heavenly patron is changed and clothes are added: analav and kukol instead of a klobuk.

Monk

Shimonakh

Hieromonks, according to their appointment as abbots of monasteries, and sometimes independently of this, as an honorary distinction, are given the title abbot or higher rank archimandrite... Especially worthy of the archimandrites are elected in bishops.

Abbot Roman (Zagrebnev)

Archimandrite John (Krastyankin)

Deacons (Deacons) constitute the third, lowest, sacred rank. "Deacon" is a Greek word and means: minister. Deacons serve the bishop or priest during divine services and the administration of the sacraments, but they cannot perform them themselves.

The participation of a deacon in the service is not necessary, and therefore in many churches the service takes place without a deacon.
Some deacons are awarded the title protodeacon, i.e., the first deacon.
A monk who has received the ordination of deacon is called hierodeacon, and the senior hierodeacon - archdeacon.
In addition to the three sacred ranks, there are also lower official positions in the Church: subdeacons, psalmists (deacons) and sextons. They, belonging to the number of clergymen, are appointed to their office not through the sacrament of the Priesthood, but only according to the bishop's blessed for that.
Psalmists have their duty to read and sing, both during divine services in the church on the kliros, and when the priest performs spiritual requirements in the homes of parishioners.

Acolyte

Ponomari have their duty to summon believers to worship by ringing bells, light candles in the church, serve a censer, help psalmists in reading and singing, and so on.

Sexton

Subdeacons participate only in episcopal service. They dress the bishop in sacred garments, hold lamps (trikiry and dikiri) and give them to the bishop to bless the worshipers with them.

Subdeacons

Priests, for the performance of services, must wear special sacred clothes. Sacred garments are made of brocade or any other suitable material and are decorated with crosses. The deacon's garments are: surplice, orarion and cuffs.

Surplice there are long clothes without a slit in the front and back, with a hole for the head and with wide sleeves. The stiche is also used for subdeacons. The right to wear the surplice can be given to both psalmists and laymen serving in the temple. The stiche marks the purity of the soul, which the persons of the priestly dignity should have.

Orar there is a long wide ribbon of the same material as the surplice. It is worn by the deacon on the left shoulder, above the surplice. The orarion marks the grace of God which the deacon received in the ordinance of the Priesthood.
Armbands are called narrow sleeves that are pulled together with laces. The commissions remind the clergy that when they perform the sacraments or participate in the administration of the sacraments of the faith of Christ, they do this not by their own strength, but by the power and grace of God. The handrails also resemble the bonds (ropes) on the hands of the Savior during His suffering.

The vestments of the priest are: a priest, an epitrachelion, a belt, a rug and a phelonion (or robe).

The crib is a surplice in a slightly modified form. It differs from the surplice in that it is made of thin white matter, and its sleeves are narrow with laces at the ends, with which they are tightened on the hands. The white color of the bed reminds the priest that he must always have a pure soul and lead a blameless life. In addition, the podriznik also resembles that tunic (undergarment) in which our Lord Jesus Christ Himself walked on earth and in which He completed the work of our salvation.

The epitrachil is the same orarion, but only folded in half so that, bending around the neck, it descends from the front downward with two ends, which are sewn or connected in some way to each other for convenience. Epitrachil signifies a special, double, in comparison with the deacon, grace given to the priest for the performance of the sacraments. A priest cannot perform a single service without an epitrachele, just as a deacon can do without an orarion.

The belt is worn over the epitrachelium and the podriznik and signifies the readiness to serve the Lord. The belt also signifies Divine power, which strengthens the clergy in the passage of their ministry. The belt also resembles the towel that the Savior girded with when washing the feet of His disciples in the Mystery.

The robe, or phelonion, is worn by the priest over other garments. These clothes are long, wide, without sleeves, with a hole for the head on top and with a large cut in the front for free hand action. In its appearance, the robe resembles the purple robe in which the suffering Savior was clothed. The ribbons sewn on the vest resemble the streams of blood that flowed through His garments. At the same time, the robe reminds the priests of the garment of righteousness, in which they should be clothed as servants of Christ.

On top of the robe, on the chest of the priest, there is a pectoral cross.

For diligent, long-term service, priests are rewarded with a legguard, that is, a quadrangular plate, hung on a ribbon over the shoulder at two corners on the right thigh, meaning a spiritual sword, as well as head adornments - skufia and kamilavka.

Kamilavka.

The bishop (bishop) puts on all the clothes of the priest: the priest, the epitrachelion, the belt, the bindings, only his robe is replaced with a sakkos, and his legguard with a mace. In addition, the bishop wears an omophorion and a mitra.

The sakkos is the bishop's outer garment, similar to the deacon's surplice, shortened at the bottom and in the sleeves, so that from under the sakkos the bishop can see both the priznik and the epitrachelion. Sakkos, like the priest's robe, marks the Savior's purple robe.

The club is a quadrangular plate, hanging at one corner, over the sakkos on the right thigh. As a reward for excellent and diligent service, the right to wear a club is sometimes received from the ruling bishop and honored archpriests, who also wear it on the right side, and the legguard in this case is placed on the left. For archimandrites, just like for bishops, the club serves as a necessary accessory for their vestments. A club, like a legguard, means a spiritual sword, that is, the word of God, with which clergy should be armed to fight unbelief and wickedness.

On their shoulders, over the sakkos, bishops wear an omophorion. Omofor there is a long wide ribbon-like plate decorated with crosses. It is placed on the bishop's shoulders in such a way that, covering the neck around, one end descends from the front, and the other from the back. Omophorus is a Greek word and means shoulder pad. The Omophorion exclusively belongs to the bishops. Without an omophorion, a bishop, like a priest without an epitrachelium, cannot perform any service. Omophorus reminds the bishop that he must take care of the salvation of the erring ones, like the good Gospel shepherd who, having found the lost sheep, carries it home on his shoulders.

On the chest, over the sakkos, besides the cross, the bishop also has a panagia, which means "All-Holy". This is a small round image of the Savior or the Mother of God, decorated with colored stones.

A miter is placed on the bishop's head, decorated with small images and colored stones. Mithra marks the crown of thorns that was placed on the head of the suffering Savior. Archimandrites also have mithras. In exceptional cases, the ruling bishop gives the right to the most honored archpriests during divine services to wear a miter instead of a kamilavka.

During divine services, bishops use a rod or staff as a sign of the highest pastoral authority. The staff is also given to archimandrites and abbots, as heads of monasteries. During the service, eagles are placed under the bishop's feet. These are small round rugs with the image of an eagle flying over the city. Eagles mean that the bishop should, like an eagle, ascend from earthly to heavenly.

The home clothes of the bishop, priest and deacon are a cassock (half caftan) and a cassock. Over the cassock, on his chest, the bishop wears a cross and a panagia, and the priest wears a cross

Everyday clothes of priests of the Orthodox Church, robes and cassocks, as a rule, are made of fabric black color, which expresses the humility and simplicity of a Christian, disregard for external beauty, attention to the inner world.

During services, church vestments, which come in various colors, are worn over everyday clothing.

Vestments white used in the performance of divine services on holidays dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ (with the exception of Palm Sunday and the Trinity), angels, apostles and prophets. The white color of these vestments symbolizes holiness, permeation with uncreated Divine Energies, belonging to the heavenly world. At the same time, the white color is a memory of the Tabor light, the dazzling light of Divine glory. Liturgy of Great Saturday and Easter Matins are celebrated in white vestments. In this case, white symbolizes the glory of the Risen Savior. It is customary to perform burials and all funeral services in white vestments. In this case, this color expresses the hope for the repose of the deceased in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Vestments of red color used during the liturgy of the Bright Resurrection of Christ and at all divine services of the forty-day Easter period. Red color in this case is a symbol of the all-conquering Divine Love. In addition, red vestments are used on holidays dedicated to the memory of the martyrs and on the feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist. In this case, the red color of the vestments is the memory of the blood shed by the martyrs for the Christian faith.

Vestments blue, symbolizing virginity, are applied exclusively to the divine services of the Mother of God. Blue is the color of Heaven, from which the Holy Spirit descends on us. Therefore, blue is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is a symbol of purity.
That is why light blue (blue) is used in church services on holidays associated with the name of the Mother of God.
The Holy Church calls the Most Holy Theotokos the vessel of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit descended on her and She became the Mother of the Savior. From childhood, the Most Holy Theotokos was distinguished by a special purity of soul. Therefore, the color of the Mother of God became blue (blue). We see the clergy in blue (blue) vestments on the holidays:
Nativity of the Mother of God
On the day of Her Entry into the Temple
On the day of the Meeting of the Lord
On the day of Her Assumption
During the days of glorification of the icons of the Mother of God

Vestments s gold (yellow) color used in services dedicated to the memory of saints. The golden color is a symbol of the Church, the Triumph of Orthodoxy, which was affirmed by the labors of the holy bishops. Sunday services are performed in the same vestments. Sometimes divine services are performed in golden vestments in the days of the memory of the apostles who created the first church communities by preaching the Gospel. It is no coincidence that, therefore, the yellow color of liturgical vestments is the most frequently used. It is in yellow robes that priests wear on Sundays (when Christ is glorified, his victory over the forces of hell).
In addition, yellow vestments are also worn in the days of the memory of the apostles, prophets, saints - that is, those saints who, in their service in the Church, resembled Christ the Savior: they enlightened people, called for repentance, revealed Divine truths, performed the sacraments as priests.

Vestments Green colour used in the services of Palm Sunday and Trinity. In the first case, the green color is associated with the memory of palm branches, a symbol of royal dignity, with which the inhabitants of Jerusalem greeted Jesus Christ. In the second case, the green color is a symbol of the renewal of the earth, purified by the grace of the hypostatically appearing and always abiding in the Church of the Holy Spirit. For the same reason, green vestments are worn at divine services dedicated to the memory of the monks, holy ascetic monks who were more than other people transformed by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The vestments of green are used on the days of commemoration of the saints - that is, saints leading an ascetic, monastic way of life, who paid special attention to spiritual exploits. Among them are the Monk Sergius of Radonezh, the founder of the Holy Trinity-Sergius Lavra, and the Monk Mary of Egypt, who spent many years in the wilderness, and the Monk Seraphim of Sarov and many, many others.
This is due to the fact that the ascetic life that these saints led changed their human nature - it became different, it was renewed - it was sanctified by Divine grace. In their lives, they united with Christ (which is symbolized by the yellow color) and with the Holy Spirit (which is symbolized by the second color - blue).

Vestments purple or crimson (dark burgundy) colors are worn on holidays dedicated to the Honest and Life-giving Cross. They are also used in the Sunday services of Great Lent. This color is a symbol of the suffering of the Savior on the cross and is associated with the memories of the purple robe in which Christ was clothed by the Roman soldiers who laughed at him (Matthew 27, 28). In the days of remembrance of the suffering of the Savior on the Cross and His death on the cross (Sundays of Great Lent, Passion Week - the last week before Easter, in the days of worshiping the Cross of Christ (Day of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, etc.)
Shades of red in purple remind us of Christ's suffering on the cross, while the shade of blue (the color of the Holy Spirit) means that Christ is God, He is inextricably linked with the Holy Spirit, with the Spirit of God, He is one of the hypostases of the Holy Trinity. Violet is the seventh color in the series of colors of the rainbow. This corresponds to the seventh day of the creation of the world. The Lord created the world for six days, but the seventh day became a day of rest. After suffering on the Cross, the earthly journey of the Savior ended, Christ conquered death, conquered the forces of hell and rested from earthly affairs.

Every Orthodox person meets with the clergy who speak in public or conduct services in the church. At first glance, you can understand that each of them wears some special rank, because it is not for nothing that they have differences in clothes: different colors of robes, hats, someone has jewelry made of precious stones, while others are more ascetic. But not everyone is given to understand the ranks. To find out the main dignities of clergy and monks, consider the ranks of the Orthodox Church in ascending order.

It should be said right away that all ranks are divided into two categories:

1. Secular clergy. These include ministers who can have a family, wife, and children.
2. Black clergy. These are those who accepted monasticism and renounced worldly life.

Secular clergy

The description of people who serve the Church and the Lord comes from the Old Testament. The scripture says that before the birth of Christ, the prophet Moses appointed people who were to communicate with God. It is with these people that today's hierarchy of ranks is associated.

Altar boy (novice)

This person is a worldly clergy assistant. His responsibilities include:

If necessary, the novice can ring the bells and read prayers, but he is strictly forbidden to touch the throne and walk between the altar and the Royal Doors. The altar boy wears the most ordinary clothes, puts on the surplice upstairs.

This person is not elevated to the rank of clergy. He should read prayers and words from scripture, interpret them to ordinary people and explain to children the basic rules of the Christian life. For special zeal, a priest can ordain a psalmist to a subdeacon. From church clothes, he is allowed to wear a cassock and a skufia (velvet cap).

This person also does not have a sacred dignity. But he can wear surplice and orarion. If the bishop blesses him, then the subdeacon can touch the throne and enter the altar through the Royal Doors. Most often, the subdeacon helps the priest to perform the service. He washes his hands during the divine services, gives him the necessary items (trikiry, ripids).

Church dignities of the Orthodox Church

All of the above ministers of the church are not clergymen. These are simple peaceful people who want to get closer to the church and the Lord God. They are accepted for their positions only with the blessing of the priest. To consider the ecclesiastical dignities of the Orthodox Church from the lowest.

The position of the deacon has remained unchanged since ancient times. He, as before, must help in the divine service, but he is forbidden to independently perform church services and represent the Church in society. His main responsibility is reading the Gospel. Currently, the need for the services of a deacon is no longer needed, so their number in churches is steadily declining.

This is the most important deacon at a cathedral or church. Previously, this rank was received by the protodeacon, who was distinguished by a special zeal for service. To determine that the protodeacon is in front of you, it is worth looking at his vestments. If he is wearing an orarion with the words “Holy! Holy! Holy ”, it means that he is in front of you. But at present this dignity is given only after the deacon has served in the church for at least 15–20 years.

It is these people who have a beautiful singing voice, know many psalms, prayers, and sing at various church services.

This word came to us from the Greek language and in translation means "priest". In the Orthodox Church, this is the smallest priesthood. The bishop gives him the following powers:

• perform divine services and other sacraments;
• to carry the teaching to people;
• to carry out communion.

It is forbidden for a priest to consecrate antimensions and to administer the ordinance of the ordination of the priesthood. Instead of a hood, his head is covered with a kamilavka.

This dignity is given as a reward for some kind of merit. The archpriest is the most important among the priests and concurrently the rector of the church. During the performance of the sacraments, the archpriests put on the robe and the epitrachelion. Several archpriests can serve in one liturgical institution.

This dignity is given only by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia as a reward for the kindest and most useful deeds that a person has done in favor of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is the highest rank in the white clergy. It will no longer be possible to deserve a rank above, since then there are ranks who are forbidden to create a family.

Nevertheless, in order to get promoted, many abandon worldly life, family, children and go into monastic life forever. In such families, the spouse most often supports the husband and also goes to the monastery to take a monastic vow.

Black clergy

It includes only those who have received monastic tonsure. This hierarchy of ranks is more detailed than that of those who preferred family life to monastic life.

This is a monk who is a deacon. He helps priests to conduct ordinances and perform services. For example, he brings out the vessels necessary for rituals or pronounces prayer requests. The most senior hierodeacon is called "archdeacon".

This is a person who is a priest. He is allowed to perform various sacred ordinances. This dignity can be obtained by priests from the white clergy who have decided to become monks, and those who have passed ordination (giving a person the right to perform the sacraments).

This is the abbot or abbess of a Russian Orthodox monastery or temple. Previously, most often, this rank was given as a reward for services to the Russian Orthodox Church. But since 2011, the patriarch made a decision to grant this rank to any abbot of the monastery. At dedication, the abbot is presented with a staff, with which he must go around his possessions.

This is one of the highest dignities in Orthodoxy. Upon receiving it, the clergyman is also awarded a miter. The archimandrite wears a black monastic robe, which distinguishes him from other monks in that he has red tablets. If, moreover, the archimandrite is the abbot of a temple or monastery, he has the right to wear a wand - a staff. He is supposed to be addressed by "Your High Reverend".

This dignity belongs to the category of bishops. When ordained, they received the highest grace of the Lord and therefore can perform any sacred rite, even ordain deacons. According to church laws, they have equal rights; the archbishop is considered the oldest. According to ancient tradition, only a bishop can bless a service with the help of antimis. This is a quadrangular scarf, into which part of the relics of a saint is sewn.

Also, this clergyman controls and takes care of all monasteries and churches that are located on the territory of his diocese. The generally accepted address to the bishop is "Vladyka" or "Your Eminence".

This is a high-ranking clergy or the highest title of a bishop, the most ancient on earth. He is subject only to the patriarch. It differs from other dignitaries in the following details in clothing:

• has a blue robe (bishops have red ones);
• a white cowl with a cross trimmed with precious stones (the others have a black cowl).

This dignity is given for very high merit and is a badge of distinction.

Highest dignity in the Orthodox Church, the main priest of the country. The word itself combines two roots "father" and "power". He is elected at the Council of Bishops. This dignity is for life, only in the most rare cases is it possible to depose and excommunicate. When the seat of the patriarch is empty, a locum tenens is appointed as an interim executor, who does everything the patriarch has to do.

This position bears responsibility not only for itself, but also for the entire Orthodox people of the country.

Ascending ranks in the Orthodox Church have their own clear hierarchy. Despite the fact that we call many clergy "father", every Orthodox Christian should know the main differences between dignities and positions.

Orthodox worship can only be performed by people who have undergone a special initiation - ordination. Together they make up the church hierarchy and are called the clergy.

Priest in full vestments

Only a man can be a priest in the Orthodox Church. Without belittling the dignity of a woman, this institution reminds us of the image of Christ, who is represented by a priest during the performance of the sacraments.

But not every man can be a priest. The Apostle Paul names the qualities that a priest should possess: he must be blameless, once married, sober, chaste, honest, unselfish, quiet, peaceful, must not love money. He must also manage his family well, so that his children are obedient and honest, because, as the apostle notes, "who does not know how to manage his own house, will he care about the Church of God?"

In Old Testament times (about 1500 years before the birth of Christ), by the will of God, the prophet Moses chose and ordained special persons for worship - the high priests, priests and Levites.

During New Testament times, Jesus Christ chose 12 closest disciples - the apostles from among His many followers. The Savior gave them the right to teach, worship, and lead believers.

At first, the apostles did everything themselves - they baptized, preached, dealt with economic issues (collecting, distributing donations, etc.), but the number of believers grew rapidly. In order for the apostles to have enough time to fulfill their direct mission - to perform divine services and preach, they decided to entrust economic and material issues to specially selected people. Seven people were chosen who became the first deacons of the Christian Church. Having prayed, the apostles laid hands on them and dedicated them to the ministry of the Church. The ministry of the first deacons (Greek "minister") consisted of caring for the poor and helping the apostles with the sacraments.

When the number of believers went into the thousands, twelve people physically could no longer cope with either the sermon or the sacred rites. Therefore, in the big cities, the apostles began to ordain some people to whom they transferred their responsibilities: to perform sacred acts, teach people, and govern the Church. These people were called bishops (from the Greek. "Overseer", "overseer"). The only difference between bishops and the first twelve apostles was that the bishop had the right to officiate, teach and rule only in the territory entrusted to him - his diocese. And this principle has survived to our time. Until now, the bishop is considered the successor and representative of the apostles on earth.

Soon the bishops also needed helpers. The number of believers grew, and the bishops of large cities every day had to perform divine services, baptize or perform a funeral service - and at the same time in different places. Bishops, who were given the authority by the apostles not only to teach and minister, but also to ordain to the priesthood, following the apostolic example, began to ordain priests to the ministry. Those had the same authority as the bishops with one exception - they could not elevate people to the priesthood and performed their ministry only with the blessing of the bishop.

Deacons helped both priests and bishops in the ministry, but did not have the right to perform the sacraments.

Thus, from the times of the Apostles to the present day, there are three degrees of hierarchy in the Church: the highest is the bishop, the middle is the priest, and the lowest is the deacon.

In addition, all the clergy are divided into “ white"- married, and" black"- monks.

Priestly titles of white and black clergy

There are three hierarchical levels of the priesthood, each with its own hierarchy. In the table you will find the ranks of the white clergy and the corresponding ranks of the black clergy.

The deacon helps bishops and priests during divine services. Having received the blessing, he has the right to participate in the performance of church sacraments, to concelebrate with bishops and priests, but he himself does not perform the sacraments.

A deacon with a monastic rank is called a hierodeacon. The senior deacon in the white clergy is called the protodeacon - the first deacon, and in the black - the archdeacon (senior deacon).

Subdeacons (assistants to deacons) participate only in the episcopal service: they dress the bishop in sacred garments, hold and serve him the dikiry and trikiry, etc.

A priest can perform six sacraments of the Church except for the Sacrament of Ordination, that is, he cannot elevate to one of the sacred degrees of the church hierarchy. The priest is subordinate to the bishop. Only a deacon (married or religious) can be ordained a priest. The word "priest" has several synonyms:

– priest(from Greek - sacred);

– presbyter(from Greek - elder)

The elders of the priests of the white clergy are called PROTOIERES, PROTOPRESVITERS (protopresbyter is the senior priest in the cathedral), that is, the first priests, the first elders.

A priest in a monastic rank is called HEROMONAH (from Greek - "priest-monk"). The elders of the presbyters of the black clergy are called IGUMEN (leaders of the monastic brethren). The abbot of an ordinary monastery or even a parish church usually has the rank of abbot.

The sanctuary of ARCHIMANDRIT is assigned to the abbot of a large monastery or lavra. Some monks receive this title for special services to the Church.

Is "pop" a good word

In Russia, the word "priest" has never had a negative meaning. It comes from the Greek "pappas", which means "daddy", "father". In all Old Russian liturgical books, the name “priest” is often found as a synonym for the words “priest”, “priest” and “presbyter”.

Now, unfortunately, the word "pop" has taken on a negative, contemptuous connotation. This happened during the years of Soviet anti-religious propaganda.

At present, among the South Slavic peoples, priests continue to be called priests, without investing any negative meaning in this word.

The bishop performs all divine services and all seven holy ordinances. Only he can, through the Sacrament of Ordination, ordain others to clergy. A bishop is also called a bishop or hierarch, that is, a priest. Bishop is a common title for a clergyman standing at this level of the church hierarchy: that is how the patriarch, the metropolitan, and the archbishop, and the bishop can be called. According to ancient tradition, only priests who have taken the monastic rank are ordained bishops.

The dignity of bishop in administrative terms has five degrees.

Vicar bishop("Vicar" means "governor") directs the parishes of a small town.

Manages the parishes of an entire region called a diocese.

Archbishop(a senior bishop) often governs a larger diocese.

Metropolitan- a bishop of a large city and the surrounding area, who can have assistants in the person of vicar bishops.

Exarch- the commanding bishop (usually the metropolitan) of a large capital city; he is subject to several dioceses that are part of the exarchate with their bishops and archbishops.

- “father-in-chief” - the primate of the Local Church, elected and appointed at the Council - the highest rank of the church hierarchy.

Other ministers of the Church

In addition to persons of the priesthood, laymen also take part in church services - subdeacons, psalmists and sextons. They are among the clergy, but they are not ordained to serve through the sacrament, but are simply blessed - by the rector of the church or the ruling bishop.

Psalmists(or readers) read and sing during the service, and also help the priest when performing the rites.

Ponomari perform the duties of bell-ringers, serve up a censer, help during divine services at the altar.