1. Introduction
The Old Orthodox Church of Jerusalem holds firmly to its teachings and traditions regarding the sacrament of Holy Orders. The Church rejects the practice of “online ordinations” and views such ordinations as invalid and contrary to the sacred nature of the sacrament. Furthermore, the Church does not recognise or accept clergy ordained in non-Orthodox denominations or religious institutions into its clerical hierarchy. This policy outlines the Church’s stance on these matters to ensure clarity and maintain the integrity of Orthodox doctrine.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Clarify the Church’s rejection of the practice of online ordinations.
- Reaffirm the Church’s exclusive authority in the valid conferral of Holy Orders through the sacramental rite.
- Define the Church’s position on the acceptance of clergy from other religious denominations or institutions.
3. The Sacrament of Holy Orders in the Old Orthodox Church of Jerusalem
3.1. Nature of Holy Orders
In the Orthodox Church, Holy Orders is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ. It is the means by which a man is ordained into the sacred ministry as a deacon, priest, or bishop. The conferral of this sacrament is a sacred act that requires apostolic succession, valid authority, and a public, in-person liturgical celebration under the bishop’s supervision.
3.2. Requirements for Valid Ordination
For an ordination to be considered valid in this Church, the following conditions must be met:
- The ordination must be performed by a bishop who is in communion with the Holy See and who has received valid episcopal consecration through apostolic succession.
- The candidate must undergo rigorous theological and spiritual formation through a recognised seminary.
- The ordination must take place within the context of the liturgical rites of the Church, as laid out in canon law.
- It must occur in the presence of the Orthodox community as a public sacramental act.
4. Policy on Online Ordinations
4.1. Rejection of Online Ordinations
The Church unequivocally rejects the practice of online ordinations as invalid and improper. Ordinations are not transactional nor can they be administered via remote, virtual, or online platforms. The sacramental nature of Holy Orders requires a physical presence, liturgical celebration, and the laying on of hands by a validly consecrated bishop.
Ordinations performed through online services, websites, or any non-liturgical means do not fulfil the requirements of valid apostolic succession, theological formation, or sacramental legitimacy.
4.2. Public Statements on Online Ordinations
The Church will continue to publicly condemn and clarify its position on online ordinations whenever such practices are promoted. Bishops, priests, and Church leaders are instructed to educate the faithful about the invalidity of such ordinations and the dangers they pose to the proper understanding of the priesthood and sacramental life of the Church.
5. Non-Acceptance of Clergy from Other Religious Institutions
5.1. Clergy from Other Denominations
The Orthodox Church does not recognise the ordinations of clergy from other denominations or religious institutions. This includes clergy from Protestant communities, Orthodox and Catholic churches that are not in full communion with the Holy See, and other non-Christian religious organisations.
Clergy from other denominations may not be admitted into the Orthodox clerical hierarchy without proper reconciliation with the Church, which would require extensive discernment, education, and the necessary sacramental steps as outlined by canon law.
5.2. Exceptions for Pastoral Care
While the ordinations of non-Orthodox clergy are not recognised, the Church may provide pastoral care and spiritual guidance for individuals seeking to join the Orthodox Church. In cases where clergy from other denominations desire to convert to Orthodoxy, they must undergo a formal process of catechesis, discernment, and acceptance into the Church.
In exceptional circumstances, such as the conversion of Anglican or Protestant ministers, there may be a path to ordination within the Orthodox Church, but it requires the approval of the Patriarch and adherence to strict guidelines. These cases are highly specific and subject to the discretion of the Holy See.
6. Protecting the Integrity of the Orthodox Priesthood
6.1. Upholding Apostolic Succession
Apostolic succession is central to the Church’s understanding of the validity of ordinations. Only bishops who are part of the unbroken line of apostolic succession, traceable back to the apostles, can validly confer Holy Orders. Any ordination outside of this succession is considered invalid. Therefore, the Church does not recognise ordinations from denominations or religious communities that lack valid apostolic succession.
6.2. Formation and Accountability
The Orthodox Church places great importance on the spiritual, theological, and pastoral formation of its clergy. Ordination is the culmination of years of discernment, education, and spiritual formation. The Church believes that clergy must be properly formed within the Orthodox tradition to serve the faithful effectively and in accordance with Church teachings.
Allowing clergy from other religious institutions, who have not undergone this formation, into the Orthodox hierarchy would undermine the standards of formation and accountability necessary for priestly ministry.
7. Addressing Requests for Online Ordination Recognition
7.1. Immediate Rejection
Any request made to the Church, diocese, or parish to recognise an online ordination will be immediately rejected. Clergy or laypeople who approach the Church seeking validation of such ordinations will be informed that the Church does not accept or recognise online ordinations under any circumstances.
7.2. Education on Proper Ordination
Individuals seeking to understand the Orthodox priesthood or Holy Orders should be directed to speak with a priest or bishop who can explain the requirements and process for becoming a validly ordained deacon, priest, or bishop in the Church.
8. Conclusion
This policy reaffirms the Old Orthodox Church’s adherence to the sacred and sacramental nature of Holy Orders. The Church rejects online ordinations as invalid and contrary to Orthodox doctrine, and it does not accept clergy from non-Orthodox religious institutions into its clerical hierarchy without proper conversion and formation. By maintaining these standards, the Church ensures that its clergy are properly formed, in apostolic succession, and able to faithfully carry out the mission of the Church.
October 18, 2006; January 15, 2008
