The American Orthodox Catholic Church, Western Rite

Major Orders in the AOCC

About the Major Orders

The major orders in the church are those by which God has called to and is instituted by ordination by a bishop. In the American Orthodox Catholic Church, we limit no one who has been called to ministry despite one's gender, race, original nationality, affectional orientation, gender identity or handicap. The AOCC will ensure that each applicant to the major orders has been called by God through the discernment process. For more information concerning any of the major orders, please contact the offices of a local diocese. Clergy are permitted to be married or shall freely embrace celibacy as they choose. The AOCC also welcomes women to all roles of ordination (deacon, priest and bishop). Ordination is not limited on the basis of denominational background, gender, gender identity, affectional orientation, marital status. There are certain age limitations. For more information contact us at info@aoccw.org.

Deacon - Deacons are members of one of three distinct orders of ordained ministry (with bishops and presbyters). In the AOCC, a deacon exercises "a special ministry of servanthood" directly under the deacon's bishop or priest of a particular congregation or ministry, serving all people and especially those in need. This definition reflects the practice of the early church, in which deacons were ordained "not to the priesthood but to the servanthood [diakonia, "ministry"] of the bishop" (Hippolytus, Apostolic Tradition). In the ancient Greek-speaking world the term diakonos meant an intermediary who acted or spoke for a superior. Christian deacons were agents of the bishop, often with oversight of charity. Since ancient times the liturgical functions of deacons have suggested the activity of angels. As they proclaim the gospel, lead intercessions, wait at the Eucharistic table, and direct the order of the assembly, deacons act as sacred messengers, agents, and attendants. The revival of the order of deacons in the twentieth and twenty-first century has emphasized social care and service. The AOCC expects their deacons to promote care of the needy outside the church. In addition to those ordained deacon as a permanent vocation, there are also "transitional deacons" who are ordained deacon as a preliminary step toward ordination as a priest. This practice is required by the canons of the AOCC, but its theology and usefulness has been questioned by those who favor direct ordination to the order for which one is chosen.

Requirements for Diaconate - Prior to the discernment period to becoming a deacon in the AOCC, a candidate will have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education. In addition, a master's degree in the field of theology or equivalent will have also been obtained.

Priest - Derived from the Greek presbyteros, "elder," or "old man," the term is used as a synonym for presbyter. Presbyters constituted a collegiate ruling body of institutions in Judaism. The Catechism notes that "the ministry of a priest or presbyter" is "to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as pastor to the people; to share with the bishop in the overseeing of the Church; to proclaim the gospel; to administer the sacraments; and to bless and declare pardon in the name of God". The term "priest" is more frequently used than "presbyter" in the AOCC.

Requirements for Priesthood - Prior to the discernment period to becoming a priest in the AOCC, a candidate will have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education. In addition, a master's degree in the field of theology or equivalent will have also been obtained.

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