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Dec 29th, 2019
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Joined: Jan 2006
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I have been informed by an ex-subdeacon of the Antiochian Orthodox church (now with ROCOR) that when he was subdeacon under Antioch, he was permitted to do "everything a deacon could do".
He recited all the ektenias, gave communion, and gave homilies. The only thing he didn't do was read the Gospel.
I may get in trouble saying this, but my perception is that the Melkite church is the most analogous Eastern Catholic church to the Antiochenes. What do subdeacons do in the Melkites?
I observe that subdeacons are included in the list of clergy on many melkite parish websites I have seen.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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At my parish the former subdeacon (now deacon) was only permitted to act as cantor and basically a "glorified acolyte." He assisted the deacons during the Liturgy any time they needed help, but never filled in in place of a deacon. He also directed the acolytes so that they would know what to do and when. I've never heard of a subdeacon acting as though he were a full deacon.
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Ed,
I'd agree generally with what Phillip has said. I've never seen anything of the sort that was described to you. (And, how could you possibly get in trouble for comparing the Antiochians and Melkites? We are, indeed, from the same origins.)
Many years,
Neil
Last edited by Irish Melkite; 02/25/10 02:06 PM.
"One day all our ethnic traits ... will have disappeared. Time itself is seeing to this. And so we can not think of our communities as ethnic parishes, ... unless we wish to assure the death of our community."
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In a decision of the Melkite synod of 2003 (Saydnaya - Rabwah 17-28 June 2003, article 20)--and signed into action by Patriarch Gregory III, wider duties (faculties) were given to the Melkite subdeacons.
Among these included the chanting of the ektene (litanies), etc. Not included was any service at the altar.
The subdeacon may preach the homily, at the bishop's/priest's behest, but only in case of need due to ill health or lack of adequate language skills of the presiding bishop/priest.
These faculties, of course, are only enjoyed inthe absence of a deacon.
I have no ready access to Antiochian synodal documents, but I hvae seen their subdeacons perform similarly, even in the presence of their bishop.
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I,too,have seen Orthodox subdeacons perform similarly under limited circumstances. In this forum recently,a Lenten sermon was posted that was given by a subdeacon Seminarian. Within the prerogative of Bishop in the Orthodox Church, there are times when "economia" may be utilized to permit a subdeacon to participate liturgically in a manner above the typical duties of the subdiaconate. As I understand it, such permissions are not the norm and are intended for extra-ordinary and limited circumstances.
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Officially, in the Antiochian Archdiocese, subdeacons are permitted to say the first three ektenias (ie the Great Ektenia and the two small ones) during Liturgy, at the discretion of the priest, but not any other ektenias, and certainly not serving communion!
I've heard of a subdeacon having to consume the chalice after liturgy in the case of an emergency, but never actually giving communion.
As for giving homilies, that's within the bishop's prerogative to allow that, but it isn't very common.
Grace and peace,
Sbn John
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