Diocesan Office

His Grace's Schedule

Clergy Assignments

Upcoming Ordinations and Elevations

Deacon Paul Olson to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Los Angeles, California.

Subdeacon Maxime Najim to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, December 7, 2008, at St. Nicholas Cathedral, Los Angeles, California.

Deacon Justin Havens to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church in Salt Lake City, Utah.

January 3-4)

Tonsuring of a Reader

Last Updated: 08/31/2008 04:54 PM

In preparation for the tonsuring, the candidate shall have a cassock by the day of the tonsuring. On the eve of his tonsuring, the candidate shall attend Vespers and, after having a light supper, begin his Eucharistic Fast. During that time, he shall interact as little as possible with anyone and spend that time praying and preparing himself for the tonsuring. Married candidates shall refrain from marital relations during this time. He shall have his confession heard either after Vespers or before Orthros on the day of the tonsuring.

If the tonsuring is to take place during Vespers, it is done following the Aposticha. If it is to take place prior to the Divine Liturgy, it is done following the Great Doxology, but before the apolytikion which follows. The candidate is led by the Bishop’s Assistant to the center of the solea in front of the Bishop. He makes three prostrations toward the Holy Altar. Then, he turns and makes one prostration toward the Bishop and remains on his knees. The Bishop lays his hand on the candidate’s head.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Bishop: O Lord, Who enlightenest all created beings with the light of Thy wonders, and knowest the intent of every man before it is formed, and strengthenest those who are desirous of serving Thee: Do Thou, the same Lord, array in Thy fair and spotless vesture this Thy servant (Name), who desireth to become a Reader before Thy Holy Mysteries, that he may be illuminated; and that, attaining unto the age to come, he may receive the incorruptible Crown of Life, and rejoice with Thine elect in bliss everlasting. For blessed is Thy Name and glorified is Thy Kingdom: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

The Bishop tonsures the candidate, saying:

Bishop: In the Name of the Father;

People: Amen.

Bishop: And of the Son;

People: Amen.

Bishop: And of the Holy Spirit.

People: Amen.

The new Reader kisses the Bishop’s right hand and stands. The Bishop takes the cassock, blesses it and, with the help of the Bishop’s Assistant, puts the cassock on the new Reader. The new Reader kneels again before the Bishop.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Bishop: O Lord God Almighty, elect this Thy servant (Name), and sanctify him and enable him with all wisdom and understanding to exercise the study and reading of Thy Divine Words, preserving him in blamelessness of life. Through the mercies and bounties of love towards mankind of Thine Only-Begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine All-Holy and good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

The new Reader stands and kisses the Bishop’s right hand. The Bishop presents the new Reader the Epistle Book. The new Reader faces the people, as the Deacon says:

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: (Chants the Title of the Epistle)

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: (Reads the randomly-selected passage.)

At the conclusion of the reading, the Bishop blesses him, saying:

Bishop: Peace be to thee that readest.

The Bishop addresses the new Reader, saying:

Bishop: My son (Name), the first degree of the Priesthood is that of Reader. It behooveth thee, therefore, to peruse the Divine Scriptures daily, to the end that the hearers, regarding thee, may receive edification, that thou, in nowise shaming thine election, mayest prepare thyself for a higher degree. For by a chaste, Holy and upright life, thou shalt gain the favor of the God of loving-kindness and shalt render thyself worthy of a greater ministry, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory unto ages of ages.

People:    Amen.

The Bishop blesses the new Reader, saying:

Bishop: Blessed is the Lord! Lo, the servant of God, (Name) has become a Reader of the most Holy Church of (Name), in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

People:    Amen.

Following any words of wisdom or instruction from the Bishop, the new Reader takes his place among the Readers, as the people sing:

People:    Eis polla eti, Dhespota.

October 10-12, 2008

November 14-16, 2008

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