The Pre-Nicene Ekklesia

Training for the Priesthood

The Major Orders

Deacon
Re edited from an original document
by
Tau Cephas©
2020
 THE PRE-NICENE EKKLESIA
Training for the Priesthood

THE MAJOR ORDERS

DEACON

The epistle that is designated to be read at the ordination of a Deacon is

from Ephesians 4:7-16 in which it explains the grace that is given
according to the gift of Christ, enumerating the various offices that are
instituted for the building up of the community in unity. As a Deacon
you will be developing your specific gifts and identifying your channel of
service.

The seriousness of the step taken into the Deaconate is emphasised in the
calling on the congregation to let the Bishop know if there is any cause or
impediment to the ordination. If there are character flaws that have not
been recognised and dealt with, the ordination will cause a quickening of
their affects. Once this process has been set in motion it is irrevocable
and the candidate will have to face and deal with whatever is presented to
them in their life.

The Deacon is authorised to minister at the altar, read the gospel, preach
and in the absence of the priest to baptize. This is also to be understood
in its interior meaning where by the awareness of the omnipotence,
omniscient and omnipresence of the Spirit of Life will guide and direct
the path of the candidate. You will be charged to minister to the flock of
Christ, and to accomplish this you will have to rise above propensities
which war against the soul.

During the ordination service you will be given a white stole, a symbol of
your office, and handed a book of the gospels that is the good news to be
given to both the living and the dead.

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Specific work to be undertaken:

You will be taught about the various services and trained in the
celebration of the Eucharist.

You will be asked to give talks at services.

Have a knowledge of the various festivals and their meanings, and how
they reflect the evolving spiritual nature of man, and be able to recognise
where they dovetail with the other religions, philosophies and teachings
available to people.