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PRIESTHOOD
ORDINATION is a Sacrament. A Priest must be ordained to serve as a Priest.
The Orthodox Church recognizes three orders of priesthood, deacon, priest, and bishop. All other titles, such as archbishop, metropolitan, patriarch, etc... are merely titles of distinction indicating administrative authority.
The Priest is Christ's representative on earth. It is to him that authority has been given to forgive sins, to instruct and pronounce absolution. Besides the powers of the priesthood, there are also duties: to be able to teach others, the priest must himself be educated , must know the scripture, must know the history of the Church, the teachings, the canons, the laws and regulations but above all he must set a good example through his personal life, because this is the most effective way to influence others.
The Priest must be able to inspire the faithful spiritually through the Holy Sacraments and services, and the Priest must be fully
knowledgeable of the meaning of the words and actions to serve in a holy and selfless manner. He must be a leader, wise, patient, understanding and be familiar with the world and the people with whom he lives.
A cardinal rule of the Church is that the Priest must be married before he is ordained unless he decides that he wishes to rise in the ranks of the church into being a Bishop or other elevated positions.
A married man can become a priest, but once a man Is ordained a priest, he may not marry.
Note: The Patron Saint of Priests is St. Eleftherios. His Feast Day is December 15th.
Eleutherios was the Roman son of a widowed lady of great Christian belief and of course through her he accepted the teachings of Christianity. He astounded his elders with his great intellect and early development.
When he was fifteen he was ordained a priest of the Christian Church and within a short time was elevated to the episcopacy at the age of twenty, the youngest bishop ever to reach that pinnacle. He was an outstanding theologian, orator, and benefactor of Christianity.
Another name celebrated on this day is Eleftheria.
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by
Rev. Demetrios A. Recachinas, Protopresbyter
Booklet
& Web Version Designed by:
- Vicky
Andriotis
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information about obtaining hard copies of this
booklet, please contact:
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- Holy
Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Park Avenue
Bridgeport CT 06604
Church Phone (203) 374-5561
Church Fax (203) 374-5770
E-mail: fatherdemetrios@ holytrinitybridgeport.org
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