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Priesthood in the Church

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

—the ordained ministry through which Christ shepherds, teaches, and sanctifies his people in the Church. In Orthodox teaching, Holy Orders is a sacrament conferred by a bishop through prayer and the laying on of hands. The apostolic Church appointed ministers, entrusted them with pastoral authority, and established leaders in local churches (Acts 6:1-6; 14:23; 20:28; 1 Tim. 4:14; 5:22; Titus 1:5). Ordination is a gift and responsibility for service, not a claim of private spiritual superiority.

Scripture cited

Acts 6:1 1 Timothy 4:14 Titus 1:5

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