ⲡⲓⲉⲡⲓⲇⲓⲁⲕⲱⲛ (Subdeacon)

Subdeacon Ordination Requirements and Examination

In the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; One God. Amen.

This rank is granted through a calling by God through the church clergy. It is not granted to anyone who seeks to be elevated:

"And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was." (Heb 5:4)

This rank is not a promotion from the reader rank, it is a call to serve the Altar of God.

It is granted to those who have demonstrated a good understanding of the Bible and conveying God's teachings in their daily life.

The Coptic Orthodox male members of the parishes of this diocese who are presented for ordination to the rank of sub-deacon must meet the following minimum requirements:

Character and Habit Requirements
  • At least 21 Years Old
  • Involved in the service of the church
  • 80% Attendance in Weekly Services: Liturgy, Vespers, Midnight Praises
  • Regularly receiving the Mysteries: Confession and the Eucharist
  • Proper attire and general appearance: clothes, hair, nails, etc.
  • Not under the sway of bad habits (smoking, vaping, alcohol, etc.)
  • Be willing and capable of serving in the Sanctuary.
  • Has not actively sought or requested promotion in the ranks of the diaconate
Proficiency Requirements

See the Sanctuary Service and Deacon Responses pages of this website for guides and recordings

  • Demonstrate Proficiency in all the Sanctuary responses of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil in English.
  • Demonstrate Proficiency in all the Sanctuary responses of the Raising of Incense in English.
  • Demonstrate Proficiency in all the Sanctuary responses of the Divine Liturgy of St. Gregory in English.
  • Demonstrate Proficiency in the rites of the Divine Liturgy (e.g. censer, candles, processions, etc.)

* Denotes a Diocese Requirement

Examination
  1. Passing the Diocese-administered Written Exam:
    • Book: "Christ in the Eucharist" by Fr Tadros Yacoub Malaty English | Arabic
    • Study Guide: English | Arabic
    • General Knowledge: Questions the common faithful should be able to answer, such as, which prayers or rites are used on which days; questions about serving in the sanctuary, such as, when, hor, or where responses or actions are to be done in the altar service.
Subdeacon Duties & Responsibilities
  1. Assists the consecrated deacon
  2. Serves the Eucharist, by serving in the Altar
  3. Assists the priest in the Liturgical Service
  4. To be familiar with all of the rituals, actions and responses for the Sanctuary Service
  5. To regularly check the Sanctuary Schedule for assigned service
Subdeacon Vestments

Tonias must have crosses and should NOT have pictures of saints on them.

This is the ONLY approved style and color for the stole (badrasheil) of the Subdeacon in the diocese!

It can be purchased from St. Demiana Convent HERE

This is the ONLY approved method of dress for the stole (badrasheil) of the Subdeacon in the diocese!