Category Archives: Clergy

The Deacon’s Vestments By B. D. Kennedy, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., B.Ed. Protodeacon, Eparchy of Toronto, UGCC   Here, we will address only the clerical attire of deacons, hierodeacons, protodeacons and archdeacons. Given current legislation on clerical attire, this will be … Continue reading →

Origins of Clergy Attire By B. D. Kennedy, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., B.Ed. Protodeacon, Eparchy of Toronto, UGCC   Historical Origins No prescribed clerical attire existed in the early centuries of Christianity. The origins of clerical attire and vesture can be … Continue reading →

The Byzantine Deacon By B. D. Kennedy, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., B.Ed. Protodeacon, Eparchy of Toronto, UGCC   In order for us to gain an understanding of the ministry of the deacon as we find it today in the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic … Continue reading →

Clerical Titles and Precedence By B. D. Kennedy, B.A., M.Div., Th.M., B.Ed. Protodeacon, Eparchy of Toronto, UGCC   Clerical titles can fall under the following categories: Title of order Title of rank Title of office Title of address Title of … Continue reading →

Call No Man Father? Are you wondering why we call our priest Father?   Are you concerned that our tradition might contradict Matthew 23:9 (Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven)? … Continue reading →

Celibate and Married Clergy Fr. John Trigilio and Fr. Kenneth Brighenti (both Roman Catholic priests) explain how the West came to have the unique custom of mandatory clerical celibacy in their book Catholicism for Dummies.   There are more married … Continue reading →

Identifying the Bishop (AKA Eparch or Hierarch) If you come to some of our special celebrations such as the praznyk (the patronal feast of the parish on St. Sophia’s day in September), or a big anniversary of the parish, or … Continue reading →

Identifying the Priest The priest is the person who is ordained and delegated by the bishop to administers the Holy Mysteries and lead the divine services for the faithful.   He is distinguished by his epitrakhil (stole; a piece of … Continue reading →

Identifying the Deacon The deacon is the clergy member you will see most often at Divine Liturgy. He is distinguished by his orar, which is a long piece of cloth hooked on to his left shoulder.   Protodeacon is an … Continue reading →

Identifying the Subdeacon The subdeacon is the person who assists the deacon and priest in the divine services. He is distinguished by his orar, which is a cloth looped around both shoulders, forming a cross both in front and in … Continue reading →