On-Line Ordinations (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

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You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery;' but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 'It was also said, 'Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,' but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery. 'Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Lord your vows,' but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one. 'You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'* But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let him have your cloak also. Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and don't turn away him who desires to borrow from you. 'You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor,* and hate your enemy.*' But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven.

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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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