The American Orthodox Catholic Church, Western Rite

Minor Orders in the AOCC

About the Minor Orders in the AOCC

The minor orders in the church are held by members of the laity (non ordained). They are positions in the church that have a particular ministry either during the Mass or in some specific life of the local parish. For more information on the minor orders, please contact the parish priest or other representative of a local congregation.

The minor orders in the church include:

Porter - members of a congregation or ministry who may serve on the altar guild, usher, greeter, and/or oblations bearer.
Acolyte - One who serves at the Altar and assists the Celebrant and other ministers.
Lay Reader - One who is licensed to read the lessons and prayers at the Holy Eucharist and may also lead Morning and Evening Prayer in the absence of a Priest or Deacon.
Subdeacon - one who assists a deacon during the Mass - or one who serves in a particular capacity before he/she is ordained to the Diaconate. A Subdeacon holds seniority over the acolytes, guides the celebrant of the Eucharist in the Missal, and aids the clergy, especially the celebrant, vest before the service.

top