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Priesthood |
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Priesthood |
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Copyright 2010 – 2011 Italo-Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas and Canada 1101 Howard Avenue, Utica, NY 13501 (315)-368-8753 Email: chancery@igoarch.org
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GIFTING OPPORTUNITIES |
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Priesthood in the Italo-Greek Orthodox Church |
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United with the bishop in the care of souls in the Archdiocese, a priest is ordained to proclaims God’s word and administer the Holy Mysteries to God’s people. By the grace of his ordination, a priest stands in the midst of the community to which he has been sent by his bishop to preach, to sanctify, to baptize, to offer sacrifice and to make Christ, who is the center of his life and ministry, present to all. A priest, in reality, serves as an extension of the Bishop, who is the chief shepherd of the people in his Archdiocese. So he shares in the bishop’s ministry, in his responsibility of bringing God’s healing presence through the Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) of Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation), the Eucharist, Confession and Anointing of the Sick, performs marriages and presides over funerals. He makes the presence of the Living God known by blessing people, places and things.
A priest commits himself to living a chaste and holy life, in communion with and obedience to his bishop, conforming himself to the image of Christ for the life of the Church. His primary responsibility is to pray for the people entrusted to his care and for the whole church. The prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer and the practice of devotions root a priest in the divine origins of his vocation and ministry.
Central to the life of every priest is the celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our life. Equally as important for the priest is the regular reception of the Holy Mystery of Confession.
Contrary to popular belief, priests, and deacons as well, are not “employees” of the parish or diocese in which they serve. By virtue of his sacred ordination, a priest is a consecrated minister of the Word and Sacrament. In the ecclesial service of the priest, it is Christ Himself who is present to His Church as head of his Body, Shepherd of His flock, high priest of the redemptive sacrifice, Teacher of Truth.
The work of a priest has many aspects. He celebrates Divine Liturgy every Sunday and on feast days. He celebrates other Divine Services as well such as daily Matins and Vespers. Baptism and weddings are normally performed on the weekend, the preparation for which usually takes weeks, even months in advance. During the week, a priest will work with different church groups in promoting the life of the parish. A priest visits his parishioners regularly, especially those who are ill, dying or who are unable to travel outside their homes. Sometimes, he is directly involved in the catechetical work of the parish and teaches religious education classes. He works with parish and finance councils that assist him in overseeing the welfare of the parish.
A priest may also serve the Archdiocese in a variety of ways other than parish work. He may be assigned to a mission, or to a campus ministry. He may serve as chaplain at a military base, hospital, or prison. In addition, he may be called upon to assist in a particular office of the Archdiocese, such as the Vocations office, Marriage Tribunal, or other ministries that serve the people of God.
The hierarchy of the Church is a divinely instituted reality; a divine truth which cannot be debated, doubted or questioned. To reject or disrespect the priesthood is to reject or disrespect Christ Himself, who has called and appointed bishops, priests and deacons to continue His work in the world. It is for this reason that we consider carefully and thoroughly all those who feel they have a call to serve Christ and His Church as priests.
In the Italo-Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the Americas and Canada, priests may be married, unmarried or monastic. The minimum age for the ordination of married and monastic priests is 30 years old. The minimum age for ordination of an unmarried man is 35. |