On-Line Ordinations (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

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“I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me, and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. You shall labor six days, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

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	On-Line Ordinations (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

What is the official position of the Orthodox Church on clergy ordained through a "mail-order" or "on-line" ministry? I am considering becoming a member of the clergy. While there are no Orthodox churches in the immediate area, a local pastor suggested that I obtain ordination in this way but, from what I understand, clergy ordained in this way aren't taken seriously or awarded much respect. I am curious as to the Church's stance on this. I could always take the traditional route (with a little more education) but am also looking at the alternatives.

ANSWER:

Such "ordinations" are not recognized as ordinations in any way, shape or form by the Orthodox Church. In fact, I would dare say that such "ordinations" are sheer blasphemy and a mockery of the Holy Sacrament of Ordination. Assuming that you are of the Orthodox faith, I would strongly advise that you speak with your Father Confessor before making any decisions whatsoever about entering the priesthood and not to take the advice of anyone who would suggest that you pursue "mail-order" or "on-line" ordination. In Orthodox Christianity, the "traditional route" is, in my opinion, the "only route." There are no "alternatives" or "short cuts," as becoming a member of the clergy involves a serious commitment to God and His People.

Hope this helps.
Fr. John Matusiak

Published in January 2011.

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