Priesthood
The final sacrament is the sacrament of priesthood. Unlike the other six sacraments, a bishop is required because only bishops may ordain priests. Our Lord Jesus Christ instituted this sacrament when He chose His twelve disciples and consecrated them for ministry (Luke 6:13). He gave them the authority of absolving and binding sins (as during the sacrament of confession): “Assuredly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18). Christ also gave them the authority to perform the other five sacraments.
In the Orthodox Church priesthood is a divine calling and divine choice. Priests are appointed and selected, meaning that a servant is recommended for the priesthood because of his good manners, successful service, and good deeds. He should also be knowledgeable of the doctrine, meek, comforting, merciful, and married (according to the Law of the Holy Gospel).
Ranks of the Priesthood
The priesthood encompasses more than just priests. In fact, there are three ranks of the priesthood: deacons (the servants), priests (the teachers), and bishops (the overseers and shepherds).
Customs of the Priesthood
Priests are addressed as “Father” or “Abouna,” which is “father” in Arabic. Bishops are addressed as “Sayedna,” which means “Master” or “Teacher.”
The hand of the priest is an instrument for imparting the Divine Grace, as through the prayers offered by the priest the Holy Spirit changes bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. The priest’s hands distribute the holy Body and Blood bestows a special sanctity upon Christians imparting Divine Grace. Therefore, whenever approaching a priest or bishop it is traditional to kiss their hand. This tradition has endured for centuries in Eastern Christendom and shows paternal respect and affection.
Priests usually wear a large cross, black clothing, and a round hat. Priests do not shave their beards. The black clothing symbolizes that they are dead to the world. Orthodox monks and bishops follow this custom as well.
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