Church hierarchy in Orthodoxy scheme of a woman. Church ranks - subdeacon

The hierarchy in the Orthodox Church has a large number of names (rank). A person who comes to church meets with clergymen who hold certain positions and are responsible, as true servants of the Almighty, for the flock.

Church hierarchy in Orthodoxy

Orthodox ranks

God the Father divided His own people into three types, depending on the proximity to His Kingdom.

1. The first category includes lay people- Ordinary members of the Orthodox brotherhood who have not donned the clergy. These people make up the bulk of all believers and take part in prayer services. The church allows the laity to conduct ceremonies in their homes. In the early centuries of Christianity, the people had far more rights than they do today. The voices of the laity had power in the election of rectors and bishops.
2. clergymen- the lowest rank, consecrated to God and dressed in appropriate clothes. To receive initiation, these people undergo a rite of ordination (ordination) with the blessing of the bishop. This includes readers, sextons (deacons), singers.
3. clergymen- the stage where the highest clerics stand, forming a divinely established hierarchy. To receive this rank, one should go through the sacrament of ordination, but only after being in a lower rank for some time. White robes are worn by the clergy, who are allowed to have a family, in black - those who lead a monastic life. Only the latter are allowed to manage the parish.

About various ministers of the church:

At the first glance at the clergy, you understand that for convenience in determining the rank, the clothes of priests and holy fathers differ: few wear beautiful multi-colored robes, others adhere to a strict and ascetic appearance.

On a note! The church hierarchy is, as Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite says, a direct continuation of the "heavenly army", which includes the archangels - the closest subjects of God. The higher ranks, divided into three orders, through unquestioning service transmit grace from the Father to each of his children, which we are.

Beginning of the hierarchy

The term "church reckoning" is used both in a narrow and a broad sense. In the first case, this phrase means a set of clergymen of the lowest rank, which does not fit into the three-degree system. When they speak in a broad sense, they mean clergy (clerks), whose union makes up the staff of any church complex (temple, monastery).

Parish of the Orthodox Church

In pre-revolutionary Russia, they were approved by the consistory (an institution under the episcopate) and personally by the bishop. The number of lower-ranking clergy depended on the number of parishioners seeking communion with the Lord. The reckoning of a large church consisted of a dozen deacons and clerics. In order to make changes in the composition of this staff, the bishop had to obtain permission from the Synod.

The income of the reckoning in past centuries consisted of payment for church services (clergy and prayers for the needs of the laity). Rural parishes served by the lower ranks were provided with plots of land. Some readers, sextons and singers lived in special church houses, and in the 19th century they began to receive salaries.

For information! The history of the development of the church hierarchy has not been fully disclosed. Today they speak with confidence about the three degrees of the priesthood, while the early Christian names (prophet, didascal) have been practically forgotten.

The meaning and significance of the ranks reflected the activities that the Church authoritatively announced. Previously, the brethren and the affairs of the monastery were managed by the hegumen (leader), who differed only in his experience. Today, gaining church rank is like an official award received for a certain period of service.

About the life of the Church:

Sextons (deacons) and clergy

When Christianity arose, they played the role of watchmen of temples and sacred places. The duties of the gatekeepers included lighting the lamp during worship. Gregory the Great called them "guardians of the church". Sextons controlled the choice of utensils for rituals, they brought in prosphora, blessed water, fire, wine, lit candles, cleaned the altars, reverently washed the floors and walls.

Today, the position of the deacon has practically been reduced to zero, the ancient duties are now assigned to the shoulders of cleaners, watchmen, novices and simple monks.

• In the Old Testament, the term "clear" refers to the lower rank and the common people. In ancient times, representatives of the tribe (tribe) of Levi became clerics. The people were called all those who were not distinguished by their “true” generosity.
• In the book of the New Testament, the criterion of a nation is omitted: now any Christian who has confirmed compliance with certain canons of religion can receive the lowest and highest ranks. Here the status of a woman who is allowed to receive an auxiliary position is raised.
• In ancient times, the people were divided into laymen and monks, who were distinguished by great asceticism in life.
• In a narrow sense, clerics are clergymen who stand on the same level as clerks. In the modern Orthodox world, this name has spread to priests of the highest rank.

The first level of the hierarchy of clergy

In the early Christian communities, the bishop's assistants were called deacons. Today, they serve the word of God by reading the scriptures and speaking out on behalf of the congregation. The deacons, who always ask for a blessing for work, cense the church premises and help to celebrate the proskomidia (liturgy).

A deacon assists a bishop or priest in the celebration of divine services and sacraments

• Naming without specification indicates the belonging of the minister to the white clergy. The monastic rank is called hierodeacons: their clothes do not differ, but outside the liturgies they wear a black cassock.
• The eldest in the rank of diaconate is the protodeacon, who is distinguished by a double orarion (a long narrow ribbon) and a purple kamilavka (headdress).
• In ancient times, it was common to give the rank of deaconess, whose task was to care for sick women, prepare for baptism and help priests. The question of the revival of such a tradition was considered in 1917, but there was no answer.

A subdeacon is an assistant to a deacon. In ancient times, they were not allowed to take wives. Among the duties was the care of church vessels, the covers of the altar, which they also guarded.

For information! In the present, this order is observed only in the divine services of the bishop, whom the subdeacons serve with all diligence. Students of theological academies are becoming candidates for the rank more often.

The second level of the hierarchy of clergy

Presbyter (head, elder) is a general canonical term that unites the ranks of the middle order. He has the right to perform the sacraments of communion and baptism, but does not have the authority to place other priests in any place in the hierarchy or bestow grace on those around him.

The priest at the head of the parish community is called the rector.

Under the apostles, presbyters were often referred to as bishops - a term denoting "guardian", "overseer". If such a priest possessed wisdom and an honorable age, he was called an elder. The book of Acts and Epistles says that the elders blessed the faithful and presided in the absence of the bishop, they gave instruction, performed many sacraments and received confessions.

Important! The ROC puts forward rules that say that today this church level is available only to monks with a theological education. Presbyters are required to have perfect morals and be over 30 years of age.

This group includes archimandrites, hieromonks, abbots and archpriests.

The third level of the hierarchy of clergy

Before the Church Schism that occurred in the middle of the 11th century, the two parts of Christianity were united. After the division into Orthodoxy and Catholicism, the foundations of the episcopate (the highest rank) practically did not differ. Theologians say that the power of these two religious organizations recognize the power of God, not man. The right to rule is transferred only after the indulgence of the Holy Spirit in the ritual of consecration (ordination).

Only a monk can become a bishop in the modern Russian tradition

A Christian theologian named Ignatius of Antioch, who was a disciple of Peter and John, was positive about the need for one bishop per city. The priests of the lower levels must unquestioningly obey the latter. Apostolic succession, which gives the right to ecclesiastical authority over the flock, was regarded as a dogma in the doctrines of Orthodoxy and Catholicism.

Adherents of the latter support the unconditional authority of the Pope, which forms a strict hierarchy of bishops.

In Orthodoxy, power is given to the patriarchs of national church organizations. Here, in contrast to Catholicism, the doctrine of the catholicity of the hierarch is officially adopted, where each chapter is likened to the apostles, listening to the instructions of Jesus Christ and giving orders to the flock.

Bishops (archpastors), bishops, patriarchs have the perfect fullness of services and administration. This rank has the right to perform all the sacraments, the ordination of representatives of other degrees.

Clergymen who are in the same church group are equal "by grace" and act within the framework of the corresponding rules. The transition to another step takes place during the Liturgy, in the center of the temple. This suggests that the monk receives a symbolic vestment of impersonal holiness.

Important! The hierarchy in the Orthodox Church is built on certain criteria, where the lower ranks are subordinate to the higher ones. In accordance with the rank, the laity, clerks, clergymen and clergymen have certain powers, which they must fulfill with true faith and unquestioningly before the will of the Supreme Creator.

Orthodox alphabet. Church hierarchy

It would be correct to say that those people who work in churches and benefit the Church are serving, and rather difficult, but very charitable.

For many people, the Church remains hidden in darkness, and hence some people often have a distorted understanding of it, an incorrect attitude towards what is happening. Some expect holiness from those who serve in temples, others asceticism.

So, who serves in the temple?

Perhaps I will start with the ministers, so that it is easier to perceive further information.

Those who serve in temples are called clergymen and clergymen, all clergymen in a particular temple are called clergy, and together clergymen and clergymen are called the clergy of a particular parish.

clergymen

Thus, the clergy are people who are consecrated in a special way by the head of the metropolis or diocese, with the laying on of hands (ordination) and the adoption of holy spiritual dignity. These are people who have taken an oath, as well as having a spiritual education.

Careful selection of candidates before ordination (initiation)

As a rule, candidates are ordained to the clergy after a long examination and preparation (often 5-10 years). Previously, this person underwent obedience at the altar and has a testimonial from the priest from whom he obeyed in the church, then he undergoes a protege confession with the confessor of the diocese, after which the metropolitan or bishop decides whether a particular candidate is worthy of ordination.

Married or Monk ... But married to the Church!

Before ordination, the protege is determined whether he will be a married minister or a monk. If he is married, then he must marry in advance, and after checking the relationship for a fortress, ordination is performed (priests are forbidden to be intruders).

So, the clergy received the grace of the Holy Spirit for the sacred service of the Church of Christ, namely: to perform divine services, teach people the Christian faith, good life, piety, manage church affairs.

There are three degrees of priesthood: bishops (metropolitans, archbishops), priests, deacons.

Bishops, Archbishops

The bishop is the highest rank in the Church, they receive the highest degree of Grace, they are also called bishops (the most deserved ones) or metropolitans (who are the head of the metropolis, i.e. the main ones in the region). Bishops may perform all seven of the seven sacraments of the Church and all Church services and rites. This means that only bishops have the right not only to perform ordinary divine services, but also to consecrate (ordain) priests, as well as to consecrate chrism, antimensions, temples and thrones. Bishops govern priests. Bishops are subject to the Patriarch.

Priests, Archpriests

A priest is a clergyman, the second sacred rank after a bishop, who has the right to independently perform six sacraments of the Church out of seven possible, i.e. The priest may perform sacraments and church services with the blessing of the bishop, except for those that are supposed to be performed only by the bishop. More worthy and deserving priests are awarded the title of archpriest, i.e. senior priest, and the chief among the archpriests is given the title of protopresbyter. If the priest is a monk, then he is called a hieromonk, i.e. monks, for their length of service they can be awarded the title of abbot, and then the even higher title of archimandrite. Especially worthy archimandrites can become bishops.

Deacons, Protodeacons

A deacon is a clergyman of the third, lower priestly rank who assists a priest or bishop in worship or the performance of sacraments. He serves during the celebration of the sacraments, but he cannot perform the sacraments on his own. Accordingly, the participation of a deacon in worship is not necessary. In addition to helping the priest, the task of the deacon is to call the worshipers to prayer. His distinguishing feature in vestments: He dresses in a surplice, on his hands a handrail, on his shoulder a long ribbon (orarion), if the deacon has a wide ribbon and cross-linked, then the deacon has an award or is a protodeacon (senior deacon). If the deacon is a monk, then he is called a hierodeacon (and the senior hierodeacon will be called an archdeacon).

Ministers of the church who do not have a holy order and help in the ministry.

Hippodiacons

Hippodiacons are those who help in the bishop's service, they vest the bishop, hold the lamps, move the eagles, bring the official at a certain time, and prepare everything necessary for the service.

Readers (readers), singers

Psalm-readers and singers (choir) - read and sing on the kliros in the temple.

Installers

The clerk is a psalmist who knows the liturgical Rule very well and gives the singing singers the right book in time (during the service, quite a lot of liturgical books are used and they all have their own name and meaning) and, if necessary, independently reads or proclaims (performs the function of a canonarch).

Sextons or altar servers

Sextons (altar servers) - help priests (priests, archpriests, hieromonks, etc.) during worship.

Novices and laborers

Novices, laborers - mostly only in monasteries, where they perform various obediences

Inoki

A monk is a resident of a monastery who did not take vows, but has the right to wear monastic robes.

monks

A monk is a resident of a monastery who has made monastic vows before God.

A schemamonk is a monk who made even more serious vows before God compared to an ordinary monk.

In addition, in the temples you can meet:

abbot

Rector - this is the main priest, rarely a deacon in a particular parish

Treasurer

The treasurer is a kind of chief accountant, as a rule, this is an ordinary woman from the world, who is appointed by the rector to perform a specific job.

Warden

The headman is the same supply manager, household assistant, as a rule, this is a pious layman who has a desire to help and manage the household at the temple.

Economy

The economy is one of the servants in the household where it is required.

Registrar

Registrar - these functions are performed by an ordinary parishioner (from the world), who serves in the temple with the blessing of the rector, she draws up the requirements and custom prayers.

Cleaning woman

An employee of the temple (for cleaning, maintaining order in the candlesticks) is an ordinary parishioner (from the world) who serves in the temple with the blessing of the rector.

Church clerk

An employee in a church shop is an ordinary parishioner (from the world) who serves in the church with the blessing of the rector, performs the functions of consulting and selling literature, candles and everything that is sold in church shops.

Janitor, security guard

An ordinary man from the world who serves in the Temple with the blessing of the abbot.

Dear friends, I draw your attention to the fact that the author of the project asks for the help of each of you. I serve in a poor village Temple, I really need various help, including funds for the upkeep of the Temple! Website of the parish Church: hramtrifona.ru

In Orthodoxy, there are three degrees of priesthood: deacon, priest, bishop. Even before being ordained a deacon, the protege must decide whether he will serve as a priest, being married (white clergy) or becoming a monk (black clergy). Since the last century, in the Russian Church there has also been the institution of celibacy, that is, the dignity is taken with a vow of celibacy ("celibate" - in Latin "bachelor"). Deacons and celibate priests also belong to the white clergy. At present, monk-priests serve not only in monasteries, they are not uncommon in parishes, both in the city and in the countryside. The bishop must necessarily be from the black clergy. The priestly hierarchy can be represented as follows:

If a monk accepts a schema (the highest monastic degree - a great angelic image), then the prefix "schie" is added to the name of his rank - schemamonk, schemamonk, schemamonk, schemamonk, schemamonk (or hieroshimonk), schemamonk, schemaarchimandrite, schemabishop (the bishop-schemer must at the same time leave the management of the diocese ).

In dealing with the clergy, one should strive for a neutral style of speech. So, the address "father" (without the use of a name) is not neutral. It is either familiar or functional (characteristic of the address of the clergy among themselves: "Fathers and brothers. Please pay attention"). The question of in what form (to "you" or "you") should be addressed in the church environment is decided unequivocally - to "you" (although we say in prayer to God Himself: "leave us", "have mercy on me" ). However, it is clear that in close relationships communication goes to "you". And yet, in the presence of outsiders, the manifestation of close relationships in the church is perceived as a violation of the norm.

It should be remembered that in the church environment it is customary to handle the use of a proper name in the form in which it sounds in Church Slavonic. Therefore, they say: "Father John" (not "Father Ivan"), "Deacon Sergius" (and not "Deacon Sergei"), "Patriarch Alexy" (and not "Aleksey").

Hierarchically, the rank of archimandrite in the black clergy corresponds in the white clergy to the mitered archpriest and protopresbyter (senior priest in the cathedral).

What is the difference between bishops, priests and other clergymen?

The difference is in the fullness of Grace. All the fullness of the Apostolic Grace, received by them from the Lord Jesus Christ, belongs to the Bishops of the Church, as full-fledged successors of the Apostles. Bishops, appointing Presbyters (priests) for priestly service, transfer to them a part of the Apostolic Grace, sufficient to perform the aforementioned six Sacraments and other sacred rites. In addition to bishops and priests, there is also the rank of Deacons (diaconia - Greek ministry), who, when they are consecrated, receive Grace in the fullness that is sufficient for them to fulfill their diaconal ministry. In other words, deacons themselves do not officiate, but "serve", help bishops and priests to perform sacred rites. Priests "sacrifice", that is, they perform the six Sacraments and less significant rites, teach the people the Word of God and lead the spiritual life of the flock entrusted to them. Bishops perform all the sacraments that priests can perform, and, in addition, they perform the Sacrament of the Priesthood and head Local Churches, or dioceses included in them, uniting a different number of parishes led by priests.

“Between bishops and presbyters,” says St. John Chrysostom, “there is no great difference, since presbyters are also granted the right to teach and administer church, and what is said about bishops, the same applies to presbyters. The right of consecration alone elevates bishops over presbyters ". (Desk book of a clergyman. Edition of the Moscow Patriarchate. Moscow, 1983. P. 339).

It should also be added that the consecration of a deacon and a priest is performed by one bishop, while the consecration of a bishop must be performed by at least two or more bishops.

Hieromonk Aristarkh (Lokhanov)
Trifono-Pechenga Monastery

The church hierarchy is the three degrees of the priesthood in their subordination and the degree of the administrative hierarchy of the clergy.

clergymen

Ministers of the Church who, in the Sacrament of the Priesthood, receive a special gift of the grace of the Holy Spirit to perform the sacraments and worship, teach people the Christian faith and manage the affairs of the Church. There are three levels of priesthood: deacon, priest, and bishop. In addition, the entire clergy is divided into "white" - married or celibate priests and "black" - priests who have taken monastic vows.

A bishop is appointed by a council of bishops (i.e., several bishops together) in the Sacrament of the Priesthood by means of a special episcopal consecration, i.e., ordination.

In the modern Russian tradition, only a monk can become a bishop.

The bishop has the right to perform all the sacraments and church services.

As a rule, a bishop stands at the head of a diocese, a church district, and ministers to all the parish and monastic communities included in his diocese, but he can also perform special general church and diocesan obediences without having his own diocese.

Ranks of bishops

Bishop

Archbishop- oldest, most honored
bishop.

Metropolitan- Bishop of the main city, region or province
or the most distinguished bishop.

vicar(lat. viceroy) - a bishop - an assistant to another bishop or his viceroy.

Patriarch- Chief Bishop of the Local Orthodox Church.

The priest is delivered by the bishop in the Sacrament of the Priesthood by means of priestly ordination, i.e., ordination.

The priest can perform all divine services and sacraments, except for the consecration of the world (the oil used in the Sacrament of Chrismation) and antimins (a special board consecrated and signed by the bishop on which the liturgy is performed), and the Sacraments of the Priesthood - they can only be performed by the bishop.

A priest, like a deacon, as a rule, serves in a particular church, is assigned to it.

The priest at the head of the parish community is called the rector.

Ranks of priests

from the white clergy
Priest

Archpriest- the first of the priests, usually an honored priest.

Protopresbyter- a special title, rarely assigned, as a reward for the most worthy and honored priests, usually rectors of cathedrals.

from the black clergy

Hieromonk

Archimandrite(Greek head of the sheepfold) - in ancient times the abbot of individual famous monasteries, in modern tradition - the most honored hieromonk or abbot of the monastery.

hegumen(Greek presenter)

currently the abbot of the monastery. Until 2011 - Honored Hieromonk. When leaving office
the abbot's title of abbot is retained. Awarded
the rank of abbot until 2011 and who are not abbots of monasteries, this title is left.

A bishop consecrates a deacon in the Sacrament of the Priesthood by way of deacon's ordination, i.e., ordination.

The deacon assists the bishop or priest in the performance of divine services and sacraments.

The participation of a deacon in worship services is not required.

Ranks of deacons

from the white clergy
Deacon

Protodeacon- senior deacon

from the black clergy

Hierodeacon

Archdeacon- senior hierodeacon

clergymen

They are not part of the main clergy hierarchy. These are the ministers of the Church who are appointed to their position not in the Sacrament of the Priesthood, but through ordination, that is, with the blessing of the bishop. They do not have a special gift of the grace of the Sacrament of the Priesthood and are assistants to the clergy.

subdeacon- participates in hierarchal worship as an assistant to the bishop.

Psalm reader/reader, chanter- reads and sings during worship.

sexton/altar boy- the most common name for assistants in worship. Calls the faithful to worship by ringing the bells, helps at the altar during worship. Sometimes the duty to ring the bells is entrusted to special ministers - bell ringers, but such an opportunity is far from being in every parish.

The hierarchy of the Christian Church is called the "triple" because it consists of three main steps:
- diaconate,
- the priesthood
- Bishoprics.
And also, depending on the attitude to marriage and lifestyle, the clergy is divided into “white” - married, and “black” - monastic.

Members of the clergy, both "white" and "black", have their own structures of honorary titles, which are awarded for special services to the church or "long service".

Deacon(servant) is called so because the duty of a deacon is to serve at the Sacraments. Initially, the position of a deacon consisted in serving at a meal, in taking care of the maintenance of the poor and sick, and then they also served in the celebration of the Sacraments, in the administration of public worship, and in general were assistants to bishops and presbyters in their ministry.
Protodeacon- chief deacon in a diocese or cathedral. The title is given to deacons after 20 years of service in holy orders.
Hierodeacon- a monk with the rank of deacon.
Archdeacon- the eldest of the deacons in the monastic clergy, that is, the senior hierodeacon.

Priest(priest) by the authority of his bishops and on their “order” can perform all divine services and Sacraments, except for the Consecration (Priesthood - Ordination to the holy dignity), the consecration of the World (Fragrant oil) and the antimension (a quadrangular board made of silk or linen matter with sewn-in particles of relics where the Liturgy is celebrated).
Archpriest- senior priest, the title is given for special merits, is the rector of the temple.
Protopresbyter- the highest title, exclusively honorary, is given for special church merits on the initiative and decision of His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus'.
Hieromonk- a monk who has the rank of priest.
hegumen- the abbot of the monastery, in the women's rooms - the abbess.
Archimandrite- the monastic rank, given as the highest award to the monastic clergy.
Bishop(guardian, overseer) - not only celebrates the Sacraments, the Bishop also has the power to teach others through the laying on of hands the gift of grace to celebrate the Sacraments. The bishop is the successor of the apostles, having the grace-filled authority to administer all the seven sacraments of the Church, receiving in the Sacrament of Ordination the grace of archpastorship—the grace of administering the Church. The episcopal degree of the sacred hierarchy of the Church is the highest degree, on which all other degrees of the hierarchy (presbyter, deacon) and the lower clergy depend. Consecration to a bishop occurs through the Sacrament of Priesthood. The bishop is chosen from among the monastic clergy and ordained by the bishops.
An archbishop is a senior bishop overseeing several ecclesiastical areas (dioceses).
Metropolitan - the head of a large church area, uniting the dioceses (metropolis).
Patriarch (forefather, ancestor) - the highest title of the head of the Christian church in the country.
In addition to the sacred ranks in the church, there are also lower clerics (official positions) - altar servers, subdeacons and readers. They are among the clergy and are appointed to their position not through ordination, but by the blessing of a bishop or rector.

altar boy- the name of a layman helping the clergy at the altar. The term is not used in canonical and liturgical texts, but became generally accepted in this sense by the end of the 20th century. in many European dioceses in the Russian Orthodox Church. The name "altar" is not generally accepted. In the Siberian dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church, it is not used; instead, in this sense, the more traditional term is usually used sexton, and novice. The sacrament of the priesthood is not performed over the altar boy, he only receives a blessing from the rector of the temple to serve at the altar. The duties of the altar boy include overseeing the timely and correct lighting of candles, lamps and other lamps in the altar and in front of the iconostasis, preparing the vestments of priests and deacons, bringing prosphora, wine, water, incense to the altar, kindling coal and preparing a censer, serving a fee for wiping the lips during Communion, assistance to the priest in the performance of the sacraments and rites, cleaning the altar, if necessary - reading during the service and performing the duties of a bell ringer. The altar boy is forbidden to touch the throne and its accessories, as well as to move from one side of the altar to the other between the throne and the Royal Doors. The altar boy wears a surplice over lay clothes.

subdeacon- a clergyman in the Orthodox Church, serving mainly under the bishop during his sacred rites, carrying in front of him on the indicated occasions the trikirion, dikirion and ripids, laying the eagle, washes his hands, vests and performs some other actions. In the modern Church, a subdeacon does not have a sacred degree, although he wears a surplice and has one of the accessories of the deacon's dignity - an orarion, which he puts on crosswise over both shoulders and symbolizes angelic wings. Being the most senior clergyman, the subdeacon is an intermediate link between clergymen and clergymen. Therefore, the subdeacon, with the blessing of the serving bishop, may touch the throne and the altar during the service and at certain moments enter the altar through the Royal Doors.

Reader- in Christianity - the lowest rank of clergy, not elevated to the degree of priesthood, reading the texts of Holy Scripture and prayers during public worship. In addition, according to ancient tradition, readers not only read in Christian churches, but also interpreted the meaning of difficult-to-understand texts, translated them into the languages ​​of their locality, delivered sermons, taught converts and children, sang various hymns (chants), did charity work, had and other church obediences. In the Orthodox Church, readers are consecrated by bishops through a special rite - chirotesia, otherwise called "ordaining." This is the first consecration of a layman, only after which can his consecration to the subdeacon, and then the ordination to the deacon, then to the priest and the highest - to the bishop (hierarch) follow. The reader has the right to wear a cassock, a belt and a skuf. During the tonsure, he is first put on a small felon, which is then removed, and a surplice is put on.
Monasticism has its own internal hierarchy, consisting of three degrees (belonging to them usually does not depend on belonging to one or another proper hierarchical degree): monasticism(ryassofor), monasticism(small schema, small angelic image) and schema(great schema, great angelic image). Most of today's monastics belong to the second degree - to actual monasticism, or the lesser schema. Only those monastics who have exactly this degree can receive ordination to the hierarchal rank. The particle “schema” is added to the title of the rank of monastics who have accepted the great schema (for example, “schiegumen” or “schematropolitan”). Belonging to one or another degree of monasticism implies a difference in the level of rigor of monastic life and is expressed through differences in monastic clothing. During monastic tonsure, three main vows are made - celibacy, obedience and non-possession (a promise to endure any sorrow and tightness of monastic life), and a new name is assigned as a sign of the beginning of a new life.