NOTE: In most cases, only rubrics that are unique to the Bishop’s presence are noted here.

After being received in the back of the Church and blessing the people from the solea, the Bishop does not go to the Episcopal Throne. He enters the Altar through the Royal Doors. The Priests and Deacons each approach the Bishop, make one metania, ask his Blessing and kiss his hand. The Bishop dons his stole and omophorion. The Priests and Deacons, having vested accordingly, exit the Altar through the Royal Doors. The Bishop takes his place in the Royal Doors facing west. The Priests and Deacons stand on the Solea facing east in order of seniority.

The Deacon says in a loud voice, “Bless, Master!” The Bishop begins the service with “Blessed is the Kingdom…” For the entire service, the Bishop serves as the Protos. He gives all of the blessings after the Epistle Readings and before the Gospel Readings. The Epistles are read by Deacons/Readers and the Gospel Readings Prayers over the oil are read by the Bishop and Priests at the direction of the Bishop.

Following the Seventh Prayer, the Bishop goes to stand before the table on the Solea facing east. The Priests open the Gospel Book and hold it over the oil as the Bishop reads the Prayer.

At the Dismissal, the Deacon intones, “Wisdom!” with the choir’s response being, “Master, Bless.” The Bishop says all of the remaining lines including the final Dismissal. Following the dismissal, the people chant, “Ton Dhespotin…” The Bishop intones, “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers…” and the Priest intones, “Through the prayers of our Holy Master…”

Following the service, the bishop will anoint himself and then the Priests and Deacons approach the Bishop, in order of seniority, and are anointed.