CLERICAL SACRAMENTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPISCOPATE, PRIESTHOOD AND DIACONATE
CLERICAL SACRAMENTAL INSTITUTIONS: EPISCOPATE, PRIESTHOOD AND DIACONATE

Summary/Abstract: The Mystery of the Priesthood in the Orthodox Church is deeply anchored in Christian doctrine and practice, representing a fundamental pillar of spiritual and community life. The Holy Fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, extensively explored the sacredness and responsibilities of the priesthood, emphasizing its crucial role in mediating divine grace and in the spiritual leadership of the faithful. The priesthood is presented not only as a liturgical function, but as a vocation that involves a profound spiritual transformation, which is equivalent to a permanent state of sacrifice and dedication in divine service. This mystery is manifested in a double dimension: an ontological one, through which the priest becomes an intermediary between God and man, and a functional one, oriented towards the administration of the Holy Mysteries and the moral and spiritual guidance of the community. Reflecting on the nature and consequences of the Priesthood, Orthodox theology emphasizes its continuity from Christ through the Apostles, to contemporary priests, who are seen as true stewards of the divine mysteries. The current study aims to deepen the theological and spiritual understanding of the Priesthood by analyzing the relevant patristic and scriptural texts. It will examine how this mystery contributes to the perpetuation of Christ's mission and presence in the world, emphasizing the essential role that the priest plays in the individual and collective salvation of the faithful, as well as its impact on the structure and dynamics of ecclesiastical life.

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