Elevation to the Dignity of Archimandrite

If the elevation is known by the candidate in advance, the candidate shall prepare for the elevation by serving Vespers on the eve of his elevation, and, after having a light supper, begin his Eucharistic Fast. During that time, he shall interact as little as possible with anyone and spend that time praying and preparing himself for the elevation. He shall have his confession heard either after Vespers or before Orthros on the day of the elevation.

 

On the day of the elevation, immediately following the reading of the Gospel, the two sponsors lead the candidate out the north door to the center of the solea.

 

The sponsors help the candidate make a prostration, as the first sponsor intones in a loud voice:

First Sponsor: COMMAND!

 

The sponsors help the candidate make a second prostration, as the second sponsor intones in a loud voice:

Second Sponsor: COMMAND!

 

The sponsors help the candidate make a third prostration, as the first sponsor intones in a loud voice:

First Sponsor: COMMAND! Holy Master, bless him who is before thee.

 

The candidate kneels before the Bishop who blesses the candidate and intones:

Bishop: Our lowliness, through the grace of the All-Holy Spirit, which perfecteth every ministry, commissioneth thee to be an Archimandrite.

 

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

 

People: Lord, have mercy.

 

Bishop: O Lord, Jesus Christ our God, the pre-eternal King, the Good Shepherd and Leader of the rational flock, Who didst lay down Thy life for Thy sheep: Thou hast said, “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there am I in the midst of them”: Do Thou Thyself now be present in this gathering, through the Grace of Thy Holy Spirit, and manifest Thy servant, our brother and my son, the Priest (Name), who has been established as an Archimandrite, to be a good and esteemed member of this community. Make straight his path; enlighten his mind; implant into his heart Thy fear, that he may live blamelessly and according to Thy Holy will, faithfully and honestly serving the needs of this Holy Temple, and striving for its well-being with all his strength. Keep his soul and body from every danger, and manifest him to be an inheritor of Thy Kingdom. For Thou art our Savior, and unto Thee we ascribe glory and worship, together with Thine unoriginate Father and Thine All-Holy and good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

 

People:    Amen.

 

The new Archimandrite rises and kisses the Bishop’s right hand. The Bishop takes the Pectoral Cross, blesses it and shouts to the people:

 

Bishop:    HE IS WORTHY!

 

People:    HE IS WORTHY!

 

Bishop:    MUSTAHEK!

 

People:    MUSTAHEK!

 

Bishop:    AXIOS!

 

People:    AXIOS!

 

People:    AXIOS! (Thrice, singing)

 

The Bishop places the Pectoral Cross around the neck of the new Archpriest. The Bishop takes the epanokalymavkhion and does the same. After which, the people sing:

People:    Eis polla eti, Dhespota.