The Holy Mystery of Holy Orders in the Orthodox Catholic Church

The Holy Mystery of Holy Orders is one of the seven Sacraments (or "Mysteries") of the Orthodox Catholic Church, through which the grace of the Holy Spirit is bestowed for the service of the Church. Instituted by Christ Himself and handed down through the Apostolic Tradition, this Sacrament continues the work of Christ through the apostolic ministry. As the Apostle Paul writes, “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11), for the edification and sanctification of the Body of Christ.

The Orthodox Church recognizes three major degrees or ranks within Holy Orders: the Diaconate, the Presbyterate, and the Episcopate. Each rank reflects a particular service within the Church and participates in the priesthood of Christ in distinct ways. As St. Ignatius of Antioch writes in his Epistle to the Trallians: “Without the bishop, let no one do anything pertaining to the Church. Let that be considered a valid Eucharist which is celebrated by the bishop, or by one whom he appoints” (Trallians 2–3). This early testimony underscores the essential hierarchical nature of ecclesiastical life and the importance of apostolic succession.

The Deacon is ordained for service, particularly in assisting the bishop and priest at the Divine Liturgy and in charitable works. The Presbyter (Priest), or priest, is entrusted with the care of souls, the preaching of the Gospel, and the celebration of the Holy Mysteries, especially the Divine Liturgy, Confession, and Baptism. The Bishop, who alone possesses the fullness of the priesthood, is the successor of the Apostles, charged with teaching, governing, and sanctifying the Church. As the Apostolic Canons state: “Let a bishop be ordained by two or three bishops” (Canon 1), affirming the conciliar and apostolic nature of episcopal ordination.

From the earliest centuries, the Orthodox Catholic Church has upheld the practice of ordaining both married and celibate men to the ranks of clergy, a tradition rooted in the pastoral norms of the New Testament and preserved by the Ecumenical Councils. The Sixth Ecumenical Council (Trullo, Canon 13) affirmed the legitimacy of married clergy, stating: “We know it to be handed down as a rule in the Roman Church that those who are deemed worthy to be advanced to the diaconate or presbyterate should promise to live in abstinence from their wives. But following the old rule and apostolic discipline we will that marriage of men who are in holy orders should not be dissolved.”

In the Italo-Greek Byzantine Orthodox Catholic Church, we preserve this living tradition by ordaining men who are married, monastic, or celibate but non-monastic, reflecting the pastoral and spiritual needs of our communities. Among our clergy are hieromonks (monastic priests), hierodeacons (monastic deacons), and non-monastic celibate clergy, each called by God to serve in their unique vocation. All must be men of proven character, as the Apostle instructs: “Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well” (1 Timothy 3:12).

Holy Orders is not a right, nor a job, nor a career, nor or a profession but a sacred calling—a kenosis, or self-emptying, in imitation of Christ the High Priest. As St. John Chrysostom exhorted: “The priestly office is discharged on earth, but it ranks among heavenly ordinances... Oh, what honor! The one for whom the angels look with awe is the one who stands at the altar” (On the Priesthood, Book III). This sublime calling demands not only theological knowledge and pastoral ability, but also a life of prayer, humility, and moral integrity.

Thus, the Holy Mystery of Holy Orders remains at the heart of the Orthodox Catholic Church’s life, ensuring the continuity of apostolic ministry and the sacramental grace that nourishes the faithful. In every Divine Liturgy, we see the visible presence of this unbroken line—from the Apostles to our bishops, priests, and deacons today—through whom Christ continues to shepherd His flock.