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 clergy belonging to the white (married) clergy and the black (monastic) clergy. Only persons who have taken monastic vows are elevated to the last, third degree. According to this order, all church titles and positions among Orthodox Christians are established.

Church hierarchy that came from Old Testament times

The order in which ecclesiastical titles among Orthodox Christians are divided into three different degrees dates back to Old Testament times. This happens due to religious continuity. From Holy Scripture It is known that approximately one and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ, the founder of Judaism, the prophet Moses, selected special people for worship - 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 became priests, leading all the services. But, in order to perform numerous sacrifices, which were an integral part religious rituals, assistants were needed. They became the Levites - the descendants of Levi, the son of the forefather Jacob. These three categories of clergy of the Old Testament era became the basis on which all church titles are built today Orthodox Church.

Lowest level of priesthood

When considering church ranks in ascending order, one should start with deacons. This is the lowest priestly rank, upon ordination one gains God's Grace, necessary to fulfill the role assigned to them during worship. 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 a deacon is called a hierodeacon.

Deacons who have served for a sufficiently 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 clergy. The privilege of the latter is the right to serve under the bishop.

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

Second level of the priestly hierarchy

Considering further church ranks in ascending order, we should focus on priests. The holders of this rank are also called presbyters (in Greek, “elder”), or priests, and in monasticism, hieromonks. Compared to deacons, this is a higher level of priesthood. Accordingly, upon ordination, a greater degree of the Grace of the Holy Spirit is acquired.

Since evangelical times, priests have been leading divine services and have the right to perform most of the holy sacraments, including everything except ordination, that is, ordination, as well as the consecration of antimensions and the world. In accordance with their official responsibilities, priests lead religious life urban and rural parishes, in which they can hold the post of rector. The priest is directly subordinate to the bishop.

For long and impeccable service, the priest of the white clergy is rewarded with the title of archpriest (chief priest) or protopresbyter, and the black clergy is rewarded with the rank of abbot. Among the monastic clergy, the abbot, as a rule, is appointed to the position of rector of an ordinary monastery or parish. If he is entrusted with leading a large monastery or monastery, he is called an archimandrite, which is an even higher and more 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 attention Special attention the highest group of hierarchs - the bishops. They belong to the category of clergy called bishops, that is, heads of priests. Having received the greatest degree of Grace of the Holy Spirit at ordination, they have the right to do everything without exception church sacraments. 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 Charter, all bishops have an equal degree of priesthood, with the most honored of them being called archbishops. A special group consists of the capital's bishops, called metropolitans. This name comes from Greek word"metropolis", which means "capital". In cases where another is appointed to assist one bishop holding a high position, he bears the title of vicar, that is, deputy. The bishop is placed at the head of the parishes of an entire region, called in this case a diocese.

Primate of the Orthodox Church

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

In cases where the patriarchal see is vacant, the Holy Synod elects a locum tenens from among its permanent members to perform the functions of the patriarch until his legal election.

Church ministers who do not have the Grace of God

Having mentioned all the church titles in ascending order and returning to the very base of the hierarchical ladder, it should be noted that in the church, in addition to the clergy, that is, clergy who have passed the sacrament of ordination and have been honored to receive the Grace of the Holy Spirit, there is also a lower category - clergy. These include subdeacons, psalm-readers and sextons. Despite their church service, they are not priests and are accepted into vacant positions 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 when the priest performs the requirement. The sexton is entrusted with convening parishioners ringing bells to the church at the beginning of the services, ensure that the candles in the church are lit, if necessary, help the psalm-reader and hand the censer to the priest or deacon.

Subdeacons also take part in divine services, but only together with bishops. Their duties are to help the bishop put on his vestments before the start of the service and, if necessary, change his vestments during the service. In addition, the subdeacon gives the bishop lamps - dikiri and trikiri - for blessing those praying in the temple.

Heritage of the Holy Apostles

We looked at all church ranks in ascending order. In Russia and among other Orthodox nations, these ranks bear the blessing of the holy apostles - the 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 a model the example of Old Testament times.

What is the church hierarchy? This is an ordered system that determines the place of each church minister and his responsibilities. The hierarchy system in the church is very complex, and it originated in 1504 after an event that was called the “Great Church Schism" After it, we got the opportunity to develop autonomously, independently.

First of all, the church hierarchy distinguishes between white and black monasticism. Representatives of the black clergy are called upon to lead the most ascetic lifestyle possible. They cannot marry or live in peace. Such ranks are doomed to lead either a wandering or isolated lifestyle.

White clergy can lead more privileged lives.

The hierarchy of the Russian Orthodox Church implies that (in accordance with the Code of Honor) the head is the Patriarch of Constantinople, who bears the official, symbolic title

However, the Russian Church does not formally obey him. The church hierarchy considers the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus' to be its head. It occupies the highest level, but exercises power and governance in unity with the Holy Synod. It consists of 9 people who are selected on different basis. By tradition, the Metropolitans of Krutitsky, Minsk, Kiev, and St. Petersburg are its permanent members. The five remaining members of the Synod are invited, and their episcopacy should not exceed six months. The permanent member of the Synod is the Chairman of the internal church department.

The next most important level in the church hierarchy is the highest ranks who govern dioceses (territorial-administrative church districts). They bear the unifying name of bishops. These include:

• metropolitans;
• bishops;
• archimandrites.

Subordinate to the bishops are priests who are considered to be in charge locally, in city or other parishes. Depending on the type of activity and duties assigned to them, priests are divided into priests and archpriests. The person entrusted with the direct leadership of the parish bears the title of Rector.

The younger clergy is already subordinate to him: deacons and priests, whose duties are to help the Superior and other, higher spiritual ranks.

Speaking about spiritual titles, we should not forget that church hierarchies (not to be confused with the church hierarchy!) allow several different interpretations spiritual titles and, accordingly, give them other names. The hierarchy of churches implies the division into Churches of the Eastern and Western rites, their smaller varieties (for example, Post-Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican, etc.)

All of the above titles refer to the white clergy. The black church hierarchy is distinguished by more stringent requirements for people who have been ordained. Highest level black monasticism is the Great Schema. It implies complete alienation from the world. In Russian monasteries, the great schema-monks live separately from everyone else, do not engage in any obedience, but spend day and night in unceasing prayer. Sometimes those who accept the Great Schema become hermits and limit their lives to many optional vows.

The Great Schema is preceded by the Small. It also implies the fulfillment of a number of obligatory and optional vows, the most important of which are: virginity and non-covetousness. Their task is to prepare the monk to accept the Great Schema, to completely cleanse him of sins.

Rassophore monks can accept the minor schema. This is the lowest level of black monasticism, which is entered immediately after tonsure.

Before each hierarchical step, monks undergo special rituals, their name is changed and they are appointed. When changing a title, the vows become stricter and the attire changes.

Church titles

Orthodox Church

The following hierarchy is observed:

Bishops:

1. Patriarchs, Archbishops, Metropolitans - Heads of Local Churches.

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople should be called Your Holiness. Other Eastern Patriarchs should be addressed either as Your Holiness or as Your Beatitude in the third person

2. Metropolitans, who are a) heads Autocephalous Churches, b) included in the Patriarchate. In the latter case, they are members of the Synod or head one or more archiepiscopal dioceses.

3. Archbishops (same as point 2).

Metropolitans and archbishops should be addressed with the words Your Eminence

4. Bishops – administrators of the diocese – 2 dioceses.

5. Bishops - vicars - one diocese.

To the bishops, Your Eminence, Your Grace and Your Lordship. If the Head of the Local Orthodox Church is a metropolitan and archbishop, then it is appropriate to address him, Your Beatitude.

Priests:

1. Archimandrites (usually head monasteries, then they are called abbots of the monastery or governors).

2. Archpriests (usually deans and rectors of churches in large cities in this rank), protopresbyter - rector of the Patriarchal Cathedral.

3. Abbots.

To the archimandrites, archpriests, abbots - Your Reverence

4. Hieromonks.

To the hieromonks, priests - Your Reverence.

1. Archdeacons.

2. Protodeacons.

3. Hierodeacons.

4. Deacons.

Deacons are named according to their rank.

Roman Catholic Church

The order of precedence is as follows:

1. Pope (Roman pontiff (lat. Pontifex Romanus), or supreme sovereign pontiff (Pontifex Maximus)). Simultaneously possesses three inseparable functions of power. Monarch and Sovereign of the Holy See, as the successor of St. Peter (the first Roman bishop) is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and its supreme hierarch, sovereign of the Vatican City State.

The Pope should be addressed as "Holy Father" or "Your Holiness" in the third person.

2. Legates - cardinals representing the Pope, who are entitled to royal honors;

3. Cardinals, equal in rank to princes of the blood; Cardinals are appointed by the Pope. They, like bishops, govern dioceses or hold positions in the Roman Curia. From the 11th century Cardinals elect the Pope.

The cardinal should be addressed as "Your Eminence" or "Your Lordship" in the third person

4. Patriarch. In Catholicism, the rank of patriarch is mainly held by the hierarchs who head the Eastern Catholic Churches with the status of patriarchy. In the West, the title is rarely used, with the exception of the heads of the Metropolises of Venice and Lisbon, who historically bear the title of patriarch, the Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Latin Rite, as well as the titular Patriarchs of the Eastern and Western Indies (the latter has been vacant since 1963).

Patriarchs - the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches - are elected by the synod of bishops of a given Church. After the election, the Patriarch is immediately enthroned, after which he asks for communion (church communion) from the Pope (this is the only difference between the patriarch and the supreme archbishop, whose candidacy is approved by the Pope). In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, the patriarchs Eastern churches equated to cardinal bishops.

During the official introduction, the Patriarch must be introduced as “His Beatitude, (Name and Surname) Patriarch of (Location).” In person he should be addressed as "Your Beatitude" (except in Lisbon, where he is addressed as "His Eminence"), or on paper as "His Beatitude, the Most Reverend (Name and Surname) Patriarch of (Location)".

5. The Supreme Archbishop (lat. archiepiscopus maior) is the metropolitan who heads the Eastern Catholic Church with the status of the supreme archbishopric. Supreme Archbishop, although he is of lower rank than the Patriarch of the East catholic church, in all respects equal to him in rights. The supreme archbishop elected by his Church is confirmed by the Pope. If the Pope does not approve the candidacy of the Supreme Archbishop, new elections are held.
The Supreme Archbishops are members of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.

6. Archbishop - senior (commanding) bishop. In the Roman Catholic Church, archbishops are divided into:

Archbishops heading archdioceses that are not provincial centers;

Personal archbishops, to whom this title is assigned by the Pope personally;

Titular archbishops occupying the see of now-defunct ancient cities and serving in the Roman Curia or being nuncios.

Primates. In the Roman Catholic Church, a primate is an archbishop (less commonly a suffragan or bishop-exempt) who is awarded primacy over other bishops of an entire country or historical region (in political or cultural terms). This primacy under canon law does not confer any additional powers or authority in relation to other archbishops or bishops. The title is used in Catholic countries as an honorific. The title of primate can be given to the hierarch of one of the oldest metropolises in the country. Primates are often elevated to the rank of cardinal and are often given the presidency of the national conference of bishops. At the same time, the main city of the diocese may no longer have such important, as when it was created, or its boundaries may no longer correspond to national ones. Primates rank below the supreme archbishop and patriarch, and within the College of Cardinals do not enjoy seniority.

Metropolitans. In the Latin rite of the Catholic Church, a metropolitan is the head of an ecclesiastical province consisting of dioceses and archdioceses. The metropolitan must be an archbishop, and the center of the metropolis must coincide with the center of the archdiocese. On the contrary, there are archbishops who are not metropolitans - these are suffragan archbishops, as well as titular archbishops. Suffragan bishops and archbishops head their dioceses, which are part of the metropolitanate. Each of them has direct and complete jurisdiction over his diocese, but the metropolitan may exercise limited supervision over it in accordance with canon law.
The metropolitan usually presides over any services in the metropolitan area in which he participates, and also consecrates new bishops. The Metropolitan is the first instance to which diocesan courts can appeal. The metropolitan has the right to appoint an administrator of the diocese in cases where, after the death of the ruling bishop, the church is not able to legally elect an administrator.

7. Bishop (Greek - “supervisor”, “supervisor”) - a person who has the third, highest degree of priesthood, otherwise a bishop. Episcopal consecration (ordination) must be performed by several bishops, at least two, except special occasions. As the high priest, the bishop can perform all sacred rites in his diocese: exclusively he has the right to ordain priests, deacons, and lower clergy, and consecrate antimensions. The name of the bishop is exalted during divine services in all churches of his diocese.

Every priest has the right to perform divine services only with the blessing of his ruling bishop. All monasteries located on the territory of his diocese are also subordinate to the bishop. According to canon law, the bishop disposes of all church property independently or through proxies. In Catholicism, the bishop has the prerogative to perform not only the sacrament of the priesthood, but also anointing (confirmation).

Archbishops and bishops are addressed as “Your Excellency” or “Your Grace” in the second person. In some parts of Canada, especially in the West, the Archbishop is usually addressed as "His Eminence".

8. Priest - minister religious cult. In the Catholic Church, priests are considered to be the second degree of priesthood. The priest has the right to perform five of the seven sacraments, with the exception of the sacrament of priesthood (ordination) and the sacrament of confirmation (which the priest has the right to perform only in exceptional circumstances). Priests are ordained by the bishop. The priests are divided into monastics (black clergy) and diocesan priests (white clergy). In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, celibacy is required for all priests.

During formal introductions, the religious priest must be introduced as "Reverend Father (Name) of (community name)." In person he should be addressed as "Father (Surname)", simply "Father", "padre" or "prete", and on paper as "Reverend Father (First Name Patronymic Last Name), (the initials of his community).

9. Deacon (Greek - “minister”) - a person serving in church service at the first, lowest degree of priesthood. Deacons assist priests and bishops in performing divine services, and independently perform some sacraments. The service of a deacon adorns the service, but is not obligatory - the priest can serve alone.

Among bishops, priests and deacons in the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, seniority is also determined depending on the date of their ordination.

10. Accolyte (Latin acolythus - accompanying, serving) - a layman performing a certain liturgical service. His duties include lighting and carrying candles, preparing bread and wine for the Eucharistic consecration, and a number of other liturgical functions.
To denote the service of an acolyte, as well as the state itself and the corresponding rank, the concept of acolyte is used.
11. Reader (Lecturer) - a person who reads the word of God during the liturgy. As a rule, lecturers are third-year seminarians or ordinary laymen appointed by the bishop.
12. Ministerate (Latin “ministrans” - “serving”) - a layman who serves the priest during Mass and other services.

ORGANIST
CHORISTS
MONSKS
FAITHFUL

Lutheran Church

1. Archbishop;

2. land bishop;

3. bishop;

4. kirchenpresident (church president);

5. general superintendent;

6. superintendent;

7. propst (dean);

8. pastor;

9. vicar (deputy, assistant pastor).

Your Eminence addresses the Archbishop (head of the Church). To the rest - Mister Bishop, etc.

Organization of the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church has a strictly centralized organization. The head of the Roman Church is dad, which means "father" in Greek. In early Christianity, believers called their spiritual leaders, monks, priests, and bishops this way. At the turn of the 2nd and 3rd centuries. in Eastern Christianity, the title "pope" was assigned to the patriarch Alexandria Church. In the West, this title was borne by the bishops of Carthage and Rome. In 1073 the pope Gregory VII declared that the right to bear the title "pope" belongs only to the bishop of Rome. However, at present, the word “dad” is not used in official nomenclature. It is replaced by the expression RomanusPontifex(Roman pontiff or high priest), borrowed from ancient Roman. This name reflects the two main functions of the pope: he is the bishop of Rome and at the same time the head of the Catholic Church. According to the thesis of apostolic heritage, the Bishop of Rome inherited all the attributes of power that the Apostle Peter had, who headed the college of the twelve apostles. Just as Peter was the head of the church, so his successors have authority over everything Catholic world and its hierarchy. This thesis found final expression in the adopted Vatican Council (1870)dogma of papal supremacy.

The first bishops of Rome were confirmed by the people and the clergy, followed by approval of the election of bishops from neighboring dioceses. After this, the chosen one was consecrated bishop. In the 5th century the process of eliminating the influence of secular persons on the election of the bishop of Rome begins, which becomes the prerogative of the clergy. The approval of the elected candidate by the people turned into a pure formality. However, for a long time the election of the pope was influenced by the supreme secular power. In 1059 the pope Leo IX turned the election of popes into a matter only cardinals. Previously, priests and deacons of parish churches were called cardinals, and in the 11th century. This is how the bishops of the Roman ecclesiastical region began to be called. In subsequent years, the title of cardinal was awarded to other church hierarchs, but from the 13th century. it becomes higher than the title of bishop.

From the 13th century the requirements for the procedure for elective meetings were tightened. During the elections, the College of Cardinals began to be isolated from the outside world. Locked with a key (hence the name conclave- lat. “turnkey”), the cardinals were obliged to quickly complete the election of a new pope, otherwise they were threatened with food ration restrictions. A requirement was introduced to keep the progress of the conclave completely secret. Election ballots were ordered to be burned in a special stove. If the elections did not take place, then wet straw was mixed with the ballots and the black color of the smoke informed those gathered in front of the cathedral about the negative result of the vote. If elected, dry straw was mixed into the ballots. White color smoke indicated that a new pope had been elected. After the election, the head of the college of cardinals made sure that the chosen one agreed to take the throne, and then he was given a new name according to his wishes.

The Pope exercises his authority through a set of institutions called papal curia. The name "curia" comes from the Latin word curia, which meant the seat of the city authorities of Rome on the Capitol. In addition to the curia, there are currently two advisory bodies under the pope: college of cardinals And synod of bishops, created after II Vatican Council in 1970

Official documents accepted by the pope are called constitutions or bulls. The second group of documents includes breve or private decisions. The most important documents are called "decrees". In 1740 the first encyclical. Some documents are sealed with a special seal called " fisherman's ring", since the figure of Peter the Fisherman is engraved on it. The Pope exercises the right to award orders of knighthood for services to the Church.

The Pope is not only a spiritual mentor, but also the leader of the city-state Vatican, which arose in 1929 as a result of the Lutheran agreements with the Mussolini government. Target church state is to ensure the independence of the pope and the Catholic Church from secular authorities, his unhindered communication with bishops and believers around the world. The territory of the Vatican is 44 hectares and is located in Rome. The Vatican has symbols of political sovereignty - the flag and anthem, the gendarmerie, financial authorities, communications and media.

The current state of the Catholic Church

The modern Catholic Church in its structure and administration has a distinct legal nature. The norm for regulating all church affairs is Code of Canon Law, which contains a collection of all ancient church decrees and the innovations that followed them.

Hierarchy in the Catholic Church

The Catholic Church has developed a strict centralization of the clergy. At the top of the hierarchical pyramid stands the pope as the source of all spiritual power. He bears the title "Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff" Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the Vatican City State, Servant of the Servants of God.

The pope is elected for life by a special meeting of the College of Cardinals - the conclave. The election may be made unanimously and orally; by compromise, when the right to elect is transferred in writing to the participants of the conclave - seven, five or three cardinals, and the latter must come to a unanimous opinion. Elections are usually conducted by secret ballot using prepared ballots. The person who receives two-thirds plus one vote is considered elected. Those elected to the throne can also renounce power. If the election is accepted by him, then from the balcony of St. Peter, the new pope gives a blessing to the City and the World. The Pope has unlimited power. He appoints the highest church hierarchs. The Pope agrees on the appointment of cardinals consistory - meeting of the College of Cardinals. The Pope also serves as the sovereign of the Vatican City State. The Vatican maintains diplomatic relations with more than 100 countries and is represented in the UN. General management is carried out by the Roman- a set of central institutions located in Rome, governing bodies of the church and the Vatican state. According to the Apostolic Constitution « Pastorbonus», entered into force in 1989, the most important institutions are the Secretariat of State, 9 congregations, 12 councils, 3 tribunals, 3 chancelleries. Subordinate to the Cardinal, Secretary of State, are papal envoys, including nuncio(from Latin - “messenger”) - permanent representatives of the pope to the governments of foreign countries. All priests of the country where the nuncio is sent, except cardinals, are under his control, all churches must be open to him. A new advisory body was introduced into the Roman Curia - synod of bishops, the conferences of national episcopates delegate their representatives to it.

IN Lately The rights of the laity in the church are expanded and strengthened. They are involved in the activities of collective governing bodies, in the Eucharistic service, and in managing the finances of the church. Various cultural and educational activities are practiced in parishes, circles and clubs are created.

Activities of the Catholic Church

There are many organizations in the Catholic Church that do not have an official character. Their activities are determined by the personality of the leader. This could be reading and studying the Bible, or it could be an activity of a mystical nature. Such organizations include “Emmanuel”, “Community of Bliss”, “Knights of Columbus”, etc.

Since the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church has attached great importance to missionary activities. Currently, the majority of Catholics live in Third World countries. The Church includes in its worship elements of the cult of ancestors common in these countries and refuses to consider it as idolatry, as it was previously.

Monasticism, organized into orders and congregations subordinate to the pope, occupies an important position in the Catholic Church. The orders are divided into “contemplative” and “active” and live according to rules in which prayer and worship are combined with physical and mental labor. The regulations of contemplative orders are more strict, requiring that monks devote themselves to prayer and work only to maintain life.

Any Catholic from the age of 15 can be a member of the order, if there are no canonical obstacles to this. After two years of novitiate, vows are taken - solemn (by monastics) or simple. Traditionally, vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are taken, as well as vows prescribed by the rules of the order. Solemn vows are considered eternal and require papal permission to be withdrawn. Lay members of orders are called brothers, religious priests are called fathers. Women who have taken perpetual vows are called nuns, others are called sisters. The “First Orders” are for men, the “Second Orders” are for women, and the “Third Orders” are composed of lay people who strive to realize the ideals of a given order.

The process began at Vatican II "adjarnamento" - renewal, modernization of all aspects of church life, aimed at simplifying rituals and worship, adapting them to specific conditions.

The Vatican pays significant attention to the expansion and strengthening of its positions in Russia. In the territory Russian Federation there are more than 2 million Catholics. Recently, more and more new parishes have been opening. There is an official body of the apostolic administration in Moscow, and Catholic educational institutions are opening. Since the beginning of 1990 they began to become active monastic orders Dominicans, Franciscans, Jesuits. Catholic nuns appeared: Carmelites, Pauline nuns, etc. The leadership of the Catholic Church in Russia is friendly towards the Russian one and is ready to cooperate with it.

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Just like there are many different religions, there are also different ecclesiastical ranks of the Orthodox Church. Everything must obey a certain order. Knowing the ranks will help not only to understand the hierarchy, but also to know how to correctly address a particular clergyman.

Orders in Orthodoxy

The Orthodox Church consists of the people of God. It is divided into 3 types:

• laymen,
• clergy,
• clergy.

The laity begins ranks in the Orthodox Church. This is the name given to ordinary people who are not called to the priesthood. It is from the laity that the Church selects ministers for all necessary levels. It is this part of the people that plays the most important role in the life of the church.

The clergy is a type of minister who is rarely distinguished from the laity. They also play an important role in the life of the church. This type includes:

• watchman,
• readers,
• singers,
• altar servers,
• prefects,
• workers,
• catechists and others.

This type of people may have certain insignia on their clothes or not differ at all.

The ecclesiastical ranks of the Orthodox Church are completed by ascending clergy. They are usually called clergy or clergy. There is also a division into blacks and whites:

• married clergy wear white,
• black – those who are monastics.

The only person who can rule the church is black clergy, which has no family concerns. Clear also has a certain hierarchical degree. So, the ranks in the church are divided into 3 degrees in ascending order:

• deacons,
• priests,
• bishops.

The first 2 categories can include both monastics and married people. But in the third group there can only be those who have taken monastic vows. All church titles, as well as positions among the Orthodox, are located in relation to this order.

Church hierarchy

The rites of holiness of the Orthodox Church date back to Old Testament times. The lowest level of the priesthood includes deacons. This is considered a lower rank, upon ordination to which one gains the grace that is needed to carry out those actions during worship that are assigned to it.

This rank is prohibited from independently performing rites, sacraments and services. His main role is to assist the priest. A monk who has been elevated to the rank of deacon is called a hierodeacon. Those who have served in this rank for a long time and have proven themselves well receive a new title: for whites - protodeacons, for blacks - archdeacons. The latter can serve under the bishop. If for one reason or another there is no deacon, then his functions can be performed by a priest or bishop.

The second level of the priestly hierarchy includes other titles that go in ascending order. A special place is occupied here by priests, or as they are also called presbyters or priests, and in monasticism – hieromonks. This is already a higher level than deacon. They are capable of performing most of the holy sacraments, except for ordination, as well as the consecration of the world and antimensions. They lead the religious life of rural and urban parishes, where they can hold the post of rector.

They report directly to the bishop. After long and impeccable service in the white clergy, he can be rewarded with the title of archpriest or protopresbyter, and in the black clergy - hegumen. Among monasticism, an abbot may be appointed to the position of rector of a parish or an ordinary monastery. If they plan to appoint him to the position of rector of a monastery or a large monastery, they must be elevated to the rank of archimandrite. It is this degree that forms the episcopate.

Next come the bishops. They are also called bishops, or rather chiefs of priests. They already have the right to perform all sacraments without exception. They may also ordain deacons to the priesthood. The most honored bishops are called archbishops. Those in the capital are called metropolitans. If situations arise in which one bishop is appointed to assist another, then he should bear the title of vicar. They can head regional parishes, which are called dioceses.

The highest rank in the Orthodox Church is the patriarch. This position is elective. He is appointed by the Council of Bishops and he, together with the Holy Synod, leads the entire local church. This rank is for life, but in certain cases the priestly court can remove the patriarch and send him to retirement. While the seat is vacant, a locum tenens may be elected who will perform his functions until the legitimate election of the patriarch.

It is necessary to remember that there is still a certain group of people - clergy. These are psalm-readers, subdeacons, sextons. They take their place without ordination, but with the blessing of an archpriest or bishop.

Knowing such subtleties, you will never again feel uncomfortable when contacting clergy.

The Lord is always with you!

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