Holy orders

Holy orders is a term used in various Christian denominations to refer to the sacrament or rite by which individuals are ordained as clergy. This sacrament is considered one of the seven sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some Anglican and Lutheran traditions. The term "holy orders" is derived from the Latin word ordo, which means an established body or group with a specific role within the church.

Historical Background

The concept of holy orders has its roots in the early Christian Church, where certain individuals were set apart for specific roles such as bishop, priest, and deacon. These roles were seen as essential for the administration of the sacraments and the governance of the church community.

Degrees of Holy Orders

Holy orders are typically divided into three degrees:

• Bishop: The highest degree of holy orders, bishops are responsible for overseeing a diocese and have the authority to ordain other clergy. They are considered successors to the Apostles.
• Priest: Priests serve under the authority of bishops and are responsible for leading local congregations, administering most of the sacraments, and providing pastoral care.
• Deacon: Deacons assist bishops and priests in various functions, including preaching, distributing the Eucharist, and performing charitable works. There are two types of deacons: transitional deacons, who are preparing for the priesthood, and permanent deacons, who may remain in this role for life.

The Rite of Ordination

The ordination ceremony varies among different Christian traditions but generally includes the laying on of hands by a bishop, the recitation of specific prayers, and the anointing with chrism. The candidate for ordination makes vows of obedience and, in some traditions, celibacy.

Theological Significance

In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, holy orders are considered a sacrament that imparts an indelible spiritual character on the ordained individual. This sacrament is believed to confer the grace necessary for the ordained to perform their duties effectively.

Contemporary Issues

The role and function of holy orders have been subjects of theological debate and reform, particularly concerning the ordination of women and the requirement of celibacy for priests. Different denominations have varying stances on these issues.

See Also

• Sacrament
• Clergy
• Ordination
• Apostolic succession
• Diocese
• Eucharist