Introduction to the Clergy (Eastern Orthodox)

A quick rundown of the Church hierarchy of deacons, priests, and bishops. What do they do, where do they fit. A LOT is missing here, we aimed to be short but it's one of the longest episodes we have so far. Please talk to a priest for more info!
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[huntermunro]

Babe wake up, new Patristix just dropped!

[archimandritegregory]

The reason for plain chant in reading is to avoid the reader performing or acting out the scriptures.

[gerardgrywacheski]

May God bless all the clergy...Patriarchs, Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Subdeacons and Readers and may God grant them many years!!

[arthurholmes-brown]

Hi guys. Love your work - just bought a mug 😉
I recently attended a Liturgy at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in London. This is the first time I'd ever seen the entrance of a bishop. Without understanding a single word (of russian) I was moved to tears as his crown and vestments were removed and he humbled himself to the ground before the put back on. I liked that a lot of time was spent on this. It had a vibe of "I''m a repenting sinner like everyone else". It would be great to have an episode on this aspect as most outside the OC only see snapshots of the clergy fully dressed - without participating they miss out on the process of "lowering in order to be lifted by Christ"

[ArchangelIcon]

Another fabulous video.
This is helpful for Protestants who don't see the need of clergy and don't note their historic Scriptural context.

[elfipet]

As a member of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, I thank you for clarifying so much about out church. What a rich and exciting Church this is. The singing of the priests is utterly heavenly, and the incense just caps off a memorable spiritual experience.

[Thhuradshfefnbck]

Please keep our parish in your prayers. We are in great need of a priest

[sathsojourns]

Glory to God for our priests and other clergy!

[ValidityJ]

God has really blessed my Church. I started with just a Bishop as far as clergy goes. Then we got a Priest & then a Deacon. I'll never forget the energy of that 1st Sunday with all 3 in a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy....you could literally feel God's grace that day. Very fulfilling day, Glory to God. It's been wonderful having all 3.

[Terri]

May God bless and strengthen our clergy 🙏☦️

[drdexter]

As a recent convert I find your content very helpful in deepening my understanding of the Orthodox faith.
Thanks and God Bless...

[henridib]

Haven't watched it yet, but i know it's good somehow.

[seannhassell]

VERY INFORMAL, Thank you❤ and pray for me to join a church soon 🙏🏾

[J-Called]

Thank you, my Orthodox Brother, for posting this **highly** informative vid.

[theres]

Thank you for including the often forgot minor orders.

This really is high quality content. Thank you brother

[jonathanreeve]

Bro I’m so grateful for these videos. No sugar for me

[ShopperPlug]

Excellent explanation of the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Hierarchy system.

[Kolious_Thrace]

In Hellenic🇬🇷 the most correct way to call a priest in presbyter indeed but we also use the terms:
Παπάς / papás which means something like father but not with the meaning of having family relationships. He is our spiritual father.
From that term the Papal Latins took the term Pope.

We also use the term ιερέας / ieréas which is more formal and derived from the term ιερός / ieròs meaning holy.

Many people accuse the priest of making money from the church because they use those elaborate clothes, and the golden rods and crowns…
They say that Jesus never wore them so why are they wearing them?

This is an old tradition from the Byzantine times. This was a symbol of their “status” as representatives of God during the Liturgy. They were wearing Godly Vestments.

It would be a nice video to visit a church and an Orthodox priest should explain the pieces of the orthodox vestments and their meaning!
It’s also interesting that after all these years we have some symbolisms about the colours.
In Hellas🇬🇷 at least, our priests prefer to wear some specific colours in specific days:
During festive periods like the 12ams after Christmas or the 40-days after Pascha they wear white and golden vestments.
In mourning periods like the 40-days before Pascha they wear black and purple vestments.
At the 14th of September, the day we celebrating the Holy Cross they wear green vestments and the day of Theophany (6th of January) they wear blue vestments.
It’s not something theological and you cannot find it anywhere in the Bible but it’s like a tradition.

[robyngrieve]

Thank you very much. The clearest explanation of the roles of the clergy that I've heard to date. God bless! 💙🇦🇺

[mrsnkg]

Thank you, v interesting. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner. 💖🙏