www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Why do Deacons...?

Can someone explain why a deacon "reconfigures" his orarion during the Divine Liturgy - I mean from a diagonal to a criss cross...

It is quite practical. It is so his hands are free to assist in the preparation of the Holy Gifts, their distibution if called on to do so, and consuming them after Communion.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Thank you Fr. Deacon for you answer. I am wondering though, aren't the deacon's hands free even with the orarion diagonal-wise? I don't mean to be nit-picky, just trying to understand...

Anna,

It's just that the deacon is never supposed to let the front end of the orarion hang down in front of him, the way it does in the back. When he is not holding it, it is to be draped over one of his wrists. This works only for a short time, but becomes impractical for a prolonged action such as giving out Communion.


Peace,
Deacon Richard

Is it true that subdeacons are supposed to escort people out of the church, who are not worthy of receiving the Eucharist? If there are no subdeacons present, do deacons assume this responsibility? Is this practice still implemented anywhere?

The unworthy were generally not in the church at Communion time. The first class of penitents, the weepers, had to stand outside. The second class of penitents were the hearers and they stood in the narthex with those disturbed by demons, heretics, schismatics, non-Christians and catechumens and were dismissed with them. The third class were the prostrators, and they were allowed to stand in the back of the nave but were also dismissed with the catechumens. The fourth class were the standers and they were permitted in the nave and allowed to stay for the entire Liturgy but not allowed to partake of Holy Communion. The subdeacons were charged with closing the doors behind the dismissed catechumens and penitents.

The order of penitents is not in use anymore nor is the dismissal of catechumens generally practiced, at least in Eastern Catholic Churches. Some stricter Orthodox do require non-Orthodox to remain in the narthex.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Also, it is my understanding that men get bumped "up" in a hierarchical Divine Liturgy. If there is no Subdeacon, then a Reader assumes the post.

As for the deacon wrapping the Orarion around, I always think of it that he is girding himself for the task at hand.

What do deacons do when there are more than one present?

How do they decide who takes which roles? Is there a general precedent or do they just work it out among themselves? Does one get bumped down to being a subdeacon? If so, what happens if there is a subdeacon already? Does he get bumped down, too, or does he do all the subdeacon roles while the deacons divide the deacon tasks between them?

Also, it is my understanding that the crossing of the deacon's orian represents the angels wings, since they are serving the Lord at his Altar(which Chirst is the Altar).

As far as their hands covered they are directing the worship. When the deacon points with his orion to Jesus or the Theotokos he is directing the people to pay attention to them in their prayer. Just as when he points to the alter during the litneys, he is directing the prayers of the people.

Also, if you notice in the icons, the deacons hands are always covered as are the angels, that means they are servants of the people.

Now I may not have this exactly right, so I am using my own disclaimer but I believe that is what I have heard.

The Ruthenian Rubrics do not assume the service of more than two deacons and the Ordo specifies which deacon does which Litany or Exhortation, but the general rule seems to be they alternate.

Extra deacons would simnply attend in choir. Although I have been at an Orthodox service where three deacons serve at once. One was a Protodeacon and he seemed to instruct the other two when to take something.

Fr. Deacon Lance

Thank you Father Deacon!

One does not take the role of a lower order, such as a priest taking the role of a deacon, or a deacon taking the role of a subdeacon.

There is always a hierarchy, even if two deacons are serving. In my experience of serving with two deacons, the unwritten convention is that the one who has been ordained longer is generally considered the "first deacon" as a courtesy, and takes that role according to the Ordo. The junior in date of ordination in turn takes the role of the "second deacon" assuming neither is a protodeacon or archdeacon.

If there is a protodeacon or archdeacon present, of course he will assume the role given to the first deacon consistent with the Ordo.

Thank you as well Father Deacon!

Father Deacon,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Of course you are correct about the courtesy given the "first deacon." However, if two deacons at a liturgy is a common event, such as a parish with two deacons, then it is also common that the deacons alternate as first and second deacon each week.

The courtesy is then that for special celbrations, such as the visit of the bishop, or for other parish events, that the senior deacon will decide whether he will be first or second deacon. The junior deacon graciously accept his assigned role.

Deacon El

I wish I could see a Divine Liturgy celebrated with a Deacon. <sigh>

(we did have a Deacon visit our parish once, since I have been a member, and I witnessed the Deacon at a Heirarchal Divine Liturgy but it would be nice to see this all the time!)

Michael