www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Deacon with Aer over Head?

I've just seen a photo of an ordination and the deacon had the aer over his head (at the Great Entrance, I believe).

What's that all about?

Curious minds...

And thanks - in advance.

Herb

Don't tempt me. The possible pun is too easy and too obvious.

I'll try to answer. Whenever a deacon has the orion raised, I'm seeking a way to explain it since I'm a deacon's wife and not the deacon I don't know the exact terms. However, anytime a deacon has an orion raised or pointing they are directing. It is not done in some of the Rites, and is done at different levels in others. For instance the Orthodox may hold it completely above their head, while the Melkite will hold it slightly elevated above arms length and pointing in a given direction. But either way, the deacon is telling the people what is to be done.

In the catacombs and in the European coutries they don't/didn't have the light like we do. So the people would know what is happening by the deacon raising his hand and pointing in a given direction, or where to turn there attention.

This is why in an icon of a deacon you see the orion over their hand as they hold the church. They are serving and guiding the people in worship. Then providing for cares that come up in the daily life of the domestic church, the families of the churhes needs.

Since I don't know for sure what was in the picture, I am assuming this is what you are talking about.

Pani Rose

I heard one explanation that said the priest-to-be has the aer/vozduch/veil placed on his head since he is being "offered" for ordination.

That might just be the pietistical explanation; I don't know the history off hand.

Dave

It is indeed proper and customary for a deacon about to be ordained priest to have the Aer (vozdukh) over his head during the Great Entrance. This is actually a reduction of older practice, retained in some places, of the deacon having the Aer in this position at the Divine Liturgy whenever there is Divine Liturgy.
"Orion"? That is the name of a stellar constellation, which has no particular connection with the diaconate.
Incognitus

So, normally at a regular Sunday Divine Liturgy, the deacon would, at the Great Entrance, hold the Diskos on his head with the Aer hanging on his left shoulder, right?

But at his ordination to the presbyterate, he just carries the Aer over his head, out in procession, and back into the Altar?

(The other deacons, subdeacons carry the Diskos, Thurible, and anything else?)

Is that right?




Thanx!

Herb


ps:

I've also notice that in the Ukrainian Arkhieratikon, it doesn't say anything about the bishop presenting him with cuffs. Are diaconal cuffs improper? An innovation? What's that all about? Do only the presbyters get cuffs?

Is the photo online?

On of the day of his ordination, the deacon offers himself and is being offered to the Most Holy Trinity as a sacrifice, an oblation as it were to God. At the celebration of the Liturgy the Holy Gifts are the principal offering to the Triune God and on the day of ordination the deacon to be ordained priest is added to that offering and this is expressed in the Eastern Church's custom of covering the deacon with the veil which also covers the Holy Gifts. That same veil will also cover his face in repose when he is laid out in the Holy Temple, thus 'protecting him' who gave his life as an offering to the Lord on the Day of his Ordination. The symbolism is beautiful and also unites the candidate to the Holy Eucharist which he is to be intimately now bound to for life! (This is at least what we were taught before ordination)...I hope this helps?

In His Holy Service,
+Fr. Gregory

Thank You Fr. Gregory! What a wonderful explanation. Is that Ever cool! Thanks!

Pani Rose:

Here are some photos of what I was referring to.

http://www.oca.org/pages/events/2004/09.september/0914crestwoodny/images/DSC_0056.jpg

and

http://www.oca.org/pages/events/2003/510frathanasiusshaw/1/images/DSC_0008.jpg

Enjoy!

Herb