Job Descriptions

Bishop - Omophorion

About bishops:
The word bishop is the English translation of the Greek word episkopos which means overseer. Both the New Testament and the writings of the Church Fathers describe the bishop's role. He had to teach (1Timothy 3:2; 5:17; Titus 1:9) and to lead (1 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:7).
The bishops were and still are the teachers and leaders of the Church, both directly and through their representatives: the presbyters (priests), and the diakonoi (deacons), or servers and assistants.
The apostles were commissioned by Jesus to carry on His work in the world, and were given his own powers in order to do so, including commissioning and ordaining others who would follow them. Thus the apostles, through the laying on of their hands upon those chosen to be their successors, transmitted that same Holy Spirit, the life-force of the Church, to the bishops who came after them. The bishops in turn passed on the same power, the same divine authority, to other chosen men in an unbroken line to the present day.

The Bishop is:
- The shepherd of God's flock
- A monastic

He is called to:
- teach the Tradition and beliefs of the Church and make sure that nothing is omitted from them and nothing is added to them.
- lead his diocese of the Church in the way of Christ, with love and compassion.
- administer the Sacraments of the Church
- ordain men to be priests, deacons, subdeacons and readers to minister to his diocese.

Priest - Epitrachelion (Stole)

About priests:
The priests of the Church, also called presbyters, are those who assist the bishop in his work. In the present day the priests normally serve as pastors of local parishes.
With the blessing of the bishop, the priest leads the local community of believers. He presides at the local celebration of the Divine Services, preaches, teaches, counsels, and exercises the ministries of healing and forgiveness.
He is the representative of the bishop in his parish and is responsible to the bishop for all his actions. The bishop entrusts him with the community and charges him to lead and guide that flock in love and compassion, just as the bishop himself would do. Only the bishop can release him from his assignment.

A priest is:
The representative of the bishop in a local Church community.
A married or sometimes celibate man.

He is called to:
- preach the Gospel of Christ to the community.
- teach the people about the Life of Christ and His Church.
- administer the Sacraments of the Church
- exercise the ministries of healing and forgiveness through counseling and confession.

Deacon - Orarion

About deacons:
The deacons of the Church originally assisted the bishops in good deeds and works of charity. The Acts of the Apostles records the calling of the first deacons (Acts 6: 1-7).
Today, in addition to assisting the priest and bishop in liturgical services, deacons often head educational programs, youth groups, and/or coordinates missionary efforts, visits to the sick and home bound, and projects of social welfare to help the poor and needy.

A deacon is:
- the assistant of the bishop or priest.
- A married or sometimes celibate man.

He is called to:
- assist the priest or bishop with the ministry of God's people and be an example of service to all people
- assist the priest and bishop and lead the people in acts of worship during the divine services.
(Bow your heads to the Lord!, Wisdom! Let us attend!, Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear, etc..)