# Ordination of an Archdeacon

Source: https://coptic-lore-forge.lovable.app/wiki/ordination-of-an-archdeacon — Coptic Orthodox Wiki (updated 2026-10-02)

An archdeacon is ordained by a bishop on the recommendation of the clergy and congregation, with prayer for the Holy Spirit, laying-on of hands, and participation in the Divine Liturgy.[^1][^5]

## Candidate and Minister

The ordination of an archdeacon is performed by a bishop on the recommendation of the congregation and clergy, in accordance with the sacrament of holy orders.[^1] The account of the rite specifies that the candidate is a deacon of proven aptitude who has been recommended for the archdeaconate.[^2]

## Place in the Divine Liturgy

The rite of diaconal and archdiaconal ordination usually follows the Prayer of Reconciliation: the candidate is presented to the bishop, metropolitan, or patriarch celebrating the Divine Liturgy and kneels before the sanctuary steps.[^3] The archdeacon’s ordination service takes place immediately after the prayer of the aspasmos, or Kiss of Peace, and before the congregation sings the hymn of the aspasmos.[^1]

## Ordination Prayer and Laying-on of Hands

The bishop’s prayer recalls God’s establishment of the orders and canons of the Church and asks that the grace of the Holy Spirit descend upon the candidate.[^2] It invokes Stephen, described in the prayer as the first deacon, first martyr, and first archdeacon, as the model for the ordinand’s service.[^4]

The prayer asks that the candidate be made worthy to assist the priest at the bloodless sacrifices and hold the chalice of the Precious Blood. It also names responsibilities toward orphans, widows, worshipers, and those needing instruction or correction, asking that the archdeacon become a good example to other ministers.[^4]

The prayer attributes the gift of grace to divine compassion rather than to the officiants’ hands: “It is not through the imposition of our hands that this grace is given, but by the visitation of Thy rich compassion, O Lord.”[^4] The separate account of the office explicitly states that the bishop then lays hands upon the candidate, who takes part in the Divine Liturgy.[^5]

## Concluding Actions

The newly ordained archdeacon kneels before the sanctuary, kisses the cross in the bishop’s hand, and kisses the altar. After Communion, the bishop gives him the blessing prescribed for a newly ordained deacon.[^6] In the preceding description of that blessing, the bishop breathes upon the ordinand’s face, saying “Receive ye the Holy Spirit,” and lays his hand upon him while saying “axios,” meaning “worthy,” three times.[^7]

## Sources
[^1]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 492)
[^2]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 532)
[^3]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 530)
[^4]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 533)
[^5]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 493)
[^6]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 533)
[^7]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 532)