Pontifical of Egbert (10th-cent. MS (attrib. Egbert of York, abp 732–766))

The Order of Holy Orders

¶ Here beginneth the Order of Holy Orders: how in the Roman Church priests, deacons, subdeacons, and the other orders of clerks are to be blessed.

¶ In the first week of the first month (or the fast of March), the second week of the fourth, the third week of the seventh (September), and the fourth week of the tenth (December), on the Saturdays of the twelve lessons, as is contained in the Book of Sacraments at Saint Peter's, where masses are celebrated, after they have said the antiphon at the introit and the prayer has been given, the bishop shall make announcement to the people, saying (again saying):

By the help of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, we have chosen into the order of deacon or of priest N., subdeacon or deacon, of the title of N.; N., priest, of the title of N. If any man hath anything against these men, for God's sake and on God's behalf, let him come forth with confidence and say it. But let him be mindful of his own communion.

¶ And after a short interval all forthwith begin Kyrie eleison with the litany. When it is ended, the elect themselves go up to the bishop's seat, and he blesses them to that to which they are called; and coming down, having received his blessing, they stand in their order.

The Admonitions of the Fathers

¶ Also, how the Apostle Paul admonished his disciple Timothy in his epistle.

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins. What is "lay hands suddenly on no man", but before the age of maturity, before the time of examination, before the merit of labour, before the experience of discipline? As he that seeks right judgement in choosing a priest bears the fruit of a good work, so he works grievous loss to himself who raises an unworthy man into the fellowship of his own dignity.

¶ A chapter of Saint Gregory the Pope.

As he that, being invited, refuses, and being sought, flees, is to be removed from the holy altars, so he that seeks of his own accord, or thrusts himself forward importunately, is without doubt to be repelled. For he that strives to climb to higher things, what does he but decrease by increasing? Why does he not consider that the blessing is turned for him into a curse, because he is promoted to this end, that he may become a heretic?

¶ From the Council of Chalcedon, title II: that ecclesiastical offices ought not to be conferred for money.

If any bishop has ordained for money, and has brought under a price the grace which cannot be sold, and has ordained for money a bishop, or priest, or deacon, or any of those who are numbered among the clergy, or has promoted for money a steward or defender, or anyone who is subject to the rule, for his own most shameful gain: he upon whom the attempting of this has been proved shall lie under peril of his own degree; and he who has been ordained shall have no profit from this ordination or promotion, made by trafficking, but shall be a stranger to the dignity or charge which he acquired for money. And if anyone has shown himself a go-between in such shameful and wicked givings or takings, if he be a clerk, let him fall from his own degree; if a layman or monk, let him be anathema.

¶ Let enquiry be made concerning this chapter in the homily of Saint Gregory on the Gospel according to Matthew:

Jesus sent forth his twelve disciples, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles.

¶ And there it will be clearly found in every respect that a bishop ought in no wise to receive any gift for holy orders.

¶ From the Council of Carthage, chapter 14: of psalmists.

The psalmist, that is, the cantor, after he has been instructed by the archdeacon, may take up the office of singing without the knowledge of the bishop, at the bidding of a priest alone, the priest saying to him: See that what thou singest with thy mouth thou believe in thy heart, and what thou believest in thy heart thou show forth in thy works.

The Seven Degrees of the Church, which Christ Fulfilled

¶ Also, of the seven degrees of the Church which Christ fulfilled.

He was a doorkeeper, when he shut and opened the ark of Noah, and opened the gates of hell; whence those who are now called doorkeepers are bidden to keep the doors of the church and of the sanctuary, and to strike the bell that all may come together. He was a reader, when he opened in the synagogue of the Jews the book of the prophet Isaiah, and read, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and so forth. Readers therefore are they who proclaim the word of God, to whom it is said, Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet. He was an exorcist, when he cast out seven devils from Mary Magdalene. Exorcists, from the Greek, are called in Latin "adjurers"; for they call upon catechumens, or upon the proud who have an unclean spirit, the name of Jesus, adjuring by him that it go out of them. He was a subdeacon, when he blessed the water in Cana of Galilee and turned it into wine. It behoves the subdeacon to read the apostle, to clothe and adorn the altars, and to minister to the deacon. He was a deacon, when he broke five loaves for five thousand men, and seven loaves for four thousand, or when he washed the feet of his disciples. For it behoves the deacon to minister at the altar, and to read the gospel in the church, to baptize and to give communion in the place of the priest, to wash the feet of strangers, and to bury the bodies of the dead. He was a priest, when he took bread into his holy hands, and likewise the cup, looking up to heaven to God his Father, giving thanks, and blessed. Priests are to be understood to be so called by merit and wisdom, not by age. It behoves the priest to bless, to offer, to preside well, to preach, to baptize and to give communion, because he is senior to the degrees aforesaid, and acts in the bishop's place in the church. For they are called presbyters not because of decrepit old age, but because of wisdom. If this be so, it is a wonder why the unwise are appointed. He was a bishop, when with lifted hands he blessed his disciples the apostles in Bethany, and leading them out was lifted up into heaven. It behoves the bishop to judge and to interpret, to consecrate and to complete, and also to ordain, to offer and to baptize. "Bishop" is Greek, in Latin "overseer", because he ought to oversee and order all things.

These are the seven degrees of the Church and their offices.

¶ Also how one comes to perform and bless the aforesaid orders that are to be hallowed at the appointed time, on the Saturdays in the seasons of the months, as is set at the head of this book.

The Ordination of a Doorkeeper

¶ When a doorkeeper (or doorkeepers) is ordained, after he has been instructed by the archdeacon how he ought to behave in the house of God, at the suggestion of the archdeacon the bishop shall deliver to him the keys from the altar, saying:

So act (ye) as one who shall render account to God for the things that are locked up with these keys.

¶ And the archdeacon shall deliver to him the door of the church.

¶ The preface of a doorkeeper.

We humbly pray God the Father Almighty that he would vouchsafe to bless this his servant (these his servants) N., whom he hath vouchsafed to choose into the office of doorkeeper; that he may have most faithful care in the house of God by day and by night, for the marking of the appointed hours and for calling upon the Name of the Lord; by the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with him liveth and reigneth God in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end.

¶ The blessing of the same.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this thy servant (these thy servants) N., doorkeeper(s), that among the doorkeepers of the church he may render obedient service, and among thine elect may be found worthy to have a share in thy reward. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of a Reader

¶ When a reader (or readers) is ordained, the bishop shall speak concerning him to the people, declaring his faith, his life and his ability. After this, the people looking on, he shall deliver to him the book from which he is to read, saying:

Receive (ye), and be thou (ye) a reader of the word of God; if thou fulfil thine office faithfully and profitably, thou shalt have part with them that have ministered the word of God. Thy brethren choose thee to be a reader in the house of thy God; acknowledge thine office and fulfil it. For God is able to increase grace unto thee.

¶ The blessing of a reader.

Let us pray, dearly beloved, God the Father Almighty, that upon this (these) his servant(s) N., whom he vouchsafeth to take into the order of psalmists or readers, he would mercifully pour forth his blessing; so that he may read distinctly the things that are to be read in the church, and fulfil the same in his works. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this thy servant (these thy servants) in the office of reader(s); that, distinguished and adorned by diligence in reading, he may both speak the things that are to be done, and fulfil in deed the things that he speaketh, and in both may serve the good of holy Church. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of an Exorcist

¶ When an exorcist (or exorcists) is ordained, he shall receive from the hand of the bishop the little book in which the exorcisms are written, the bishop saying to him:

Receive (ye), and commit to memory, and have thou power to lay thy hand upon the possessed, whether baptized or catechumen.

¶ The preface of an exorcist.

We humbly beseech God the Father Almighty that he would vouchsafe to bless this (these) servant(s) N. in the office of exorcist; that he may be a spiritual commander (or spiritual commanders) for casting out devils from bodies possessed, with all their manifold wickedness; by the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with him liveth.

¶ The blessing of an exorcist.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this thy servant (these thy servants) N. in the office of exorcist(s); that thou wouldest vouchsafe to choose him through the laying on of hands and the office of the mouth, that he may have command for restraining unclean spirits, and may be an approved physician (or approved physicians) of thy Church, strengthened by the grace and power of healing. Through [our] Lord.

The Ordination of an Acolyte

¶ [He receives] a candlestick with a taper, and an empty cruet for supplying wine. When an acolyte (or acolytes) is ordained, he shall first be taught by the bishop how he ought to behave in his office. But from the archdeacon he shall receive a candlestick with a taper, that he may know that he is appointed to light the lamps of the church. He shall receive also an empty cruet, for supplying wine for the eucharist of the Body of Christ.

Almighty and everlasting God, fountain of light and source of goodness, who by Jesus Christ thy Son, the true light, hast enlightened the world, and hast redeemed it by the mystery of his passion: vouchsafe to bless this thy servant (these thy servants), whom we consecrate to the office of acolyte, beseeching thy mercy that thou wouldest enlighten his mind with the light of knowledge, and water him with the dew of thy loving-kindness; that he may so fulfil the ministry he hath received, by thy help, that he may be found worthy to attain unto an everlasting reward. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another follows.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, who by Jesus Christ thy Son didst send into this world the light of brightness, and in the triumph of the cross of thy passion didst vouchsafe to pour forth blood and water from thy side for mankind, and by thine apostles didst send into this world the light of spiritual grace: so vouchsafe to bless this thy servant (these thy servants) N. in the office of acolyte, that for the kindling of the light of the brightness of thy Church, and for the supplying of wine and water for the making of the mystery of thy Blood in the offering of the eucharist, he may faithfully minister at thy holy altars. Kindle, O Lord, his (their) mind and heart to the desire of thy love, and confirm in him (them) the power of the grace of thy mercy. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of a Subdeacon

¶ For ordaining a subdeacon.

¶ When a subdeacon (or subdeacons) is ordained, because he does not receive the laying on of hands, he shall receive from the hand of the bishop an empty paten and an empty chalice; and from the hand of the archdeacon he shall receive a cruet with a hand-basin and a towel. Let the paten and empty chalice be shown in the sight of the bishop; and the bishop shall say to the subdeacon (or subdeacons):

See whose ministry is delivered to thee (you); and therefore, if hitherto thou hast been slow to come to church, from henceforth thou must be diligent; if hitherto drowsy, henceforth watchful; if hitherto drunken, henceforth sober; if hitherto unseemly, henceforth chaste. The oblations that come upon the altar are called the shewbread; of these oblations so much only ought to be placed upon the altar as may suffice for the people, lest anything remain to grow corrupt in the sanctuary. The cloths that are on the under-covering ought to be washed in one vessel, and the corporal cloths in another. Where the corporal cloths have been washed, no other linen ought to be washed in that place; and the water itself ought to be poured into the baptistery. Therefore I admonish thee (you): so show thyself (yourselves) that thou mayest be able to please God.

¶ And he shall deliver to him (them) the chalice and paten and maniple.

The Blessing of a Subdeacon

Let us pray God and our Lord that upon this his servant (these his servants), whom he hath vouchsafed to call to the office of subdeacon, he would pour forth his blessing and grace; that, serving faithfully in his sight, he may obtain the rewards predestined for the saints; by the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with him liveth and reigneth God, world without end.

¶ The blessing of a subdeacon.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, vouchsafe to bless this thy servant (these thy servants), whom thou hast vouchsafed to choose to the office of subdeacon; that thou mayest set him in thy holy sanctuary, diligent and careful, as a soldier of the heavenly host, and that he may faithfully minister at thy holy altars; and may the spirit of wisdom and understanding rest upon him. ℟. Amen. The spirit of counsel and might. ℟. Amen. The spirit of knowledge and godliness. ℟. Amen. Fill him (them) with the spirit of thy fear, and strengthen him in the divine ministry; that, obedient in deed and ready at thy word, he may obtain thy grace. Through [our Lord].

The Blessing of Stoles and Vestments

¶ Here beginneth the blessing of stoles or chasubles, when levites or priests are to be ordained, or are found to be already ordained.

O God, conqueror of invincible might, creator and sanctifier of all things, graciously attend to our prayers, and vouchsafe with thine own mouth to bless, sanctify and consecrate these stoles or chasubles, to be used by thy ministers for levitical and priestly glory; and grant that all who use them, being made fit for thy mysteries that are to be consecrated by us unworthy, and serving thee in them devoutly and lovingly, may be made acceptable to thee, both now and through endless ages of ages.

¶ Here begin the prayers for the priestly or levitical vestments.

Almighty and everlasting God, who by Moses thy servant didst decree that pontifical or priestly and levitical vestments should be made, for the fulfilling of their ministry in thy sight, and for the beauty and praise of thy Name: be graciously present at our invocations, and vouchsafe, thy grace watering from above, by thy great blessing through the service of our lowliness, to purify, bless and consecrate these priestly garments of thy servant or priest N.; that they may be fit and blessed for divine worship and the holy mysteries; and that thy priests or levites, clothed, armed and defended with these holy vestments, may be found worthy to be safe from all the assaults or temptations of evil spirits; and grant them to serve and cleave fitly and worthily to thy mysteries, and to continue in them peaceably and devoutly; O Saviour of the world, who livest [and reignest].

O Lord God, Father Almighty, King, glorious conqueror, who didst command our holy fathers that were pleasing to thee in the priestly order to make ornaments of divers kinds and priestly vestments, and that the priests serving thee should be adorned with them: graciously hear our prayer, and vouchsafe with thy holy right hand to bless, sanctify, consecrate and purify this chasuble of thy servant N., or the amice, alb, and stole, girdle and orarium; that these vestments may avail thy ministers and levites and priests for the adorning and fulfilling of divine worship; and that, clean and adorned with these holy vestments, about to minister at thy holy altars, they may appear blameless in deed and word, inwardly and outwardly, and may be able to serve thee, the only God, with pure heart and clean body all the days of their life blamelessly, following the examples of the holy fathers; and, these holy mysteries being fulfilled according to thy will, when it shall please thee, may be found worthy to receive the glory of the heavenly kingdom with all those committed to us and to them. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

Almighty God, giver of good virtues and bountiful pourer forth of all blessings, we humbly beseech thee that thou wouldest pour into our hands the help of thy blessing, and vouchsafe by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless and sanctify these priestly or levitical vestments of thy devout servant N., prepared for divine worship and for thy ministers; and graciously grant to all who use them the grace of the sanctifications of thy holy ministry; that they may appear in thy sight holy, spotless and blameless, and may obtain the help of thy mercy, and may also give to others an example of ministering and living well, and may be found worthy to obtain the rewards of eternal blessedness. Through [our Lord].

The Delivery of the Stole

¶ Afterwards thou shalt lay the stole upon the neck of the levite, saying: For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

¶ A prayer after.

In the name of the Holy Trinity and the one Godhead, receive the stole, which the Lord hath prepared for thee to receive through the service of our lowliness, or by our hands; whereby thou mayest know that the burden of the Lord thy God is laid upon thy neck, and that thou art bound to humility and to ministration; and whereby thy brethren may know [...] that thou art ordained a minister of God; that thou, who art appointed in the ministry of a deacon, mayest shine in the order of the levitical blessing, and, resplendent in spiritual conversation, mayest shine forth by the grace of sanctification; and mayest continue firm and steadfast in Christ Jesus; so that what is signified by this stole thou mayest be able to present without spot in the day of strict judgement before the judgement-seat of the Lord; by his help, to whom be honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Sermon of Pope Innocent on the Seven Degrees

¶ Here beginneth the sermon of Pope Innocent on the ordaining of the seven degrees of the Church.

These are the times to be observed in the several degrees. If from infancy one has learned our examples in the ministries of the Church, and has continued among the readers until his twentieth year with unbroken observance; thereafter, if he has already come to a greater age, yet so that after baptism he desires at once to give himself to the divine service, let him be held for five years either among the readers or among the exorcists. And then let him be made acolyte or subdeacon for four years, and so, if he deserve it, let him come to the blessing of the diaconate. In which order, if he has lived blamelessly for five years, he ought to remain, that he may be found better. Thereafter, his merits supporting him, if a sharper life has brought him to good manners, he may hope for the high priesthood; this law, however, being kept, that neither one twice married, nor one returning, nor a penitent for the greatest crimes, may be admitted to these degrees. Otherwise, defenders of the Church who were laymen, husbands of one wife, having given proper proofs of their faith through so many degrees, if they are held in the observance aforesaid, and if they have deserved it in life, manners and knowledge of the Scriptures, ought to be admitted into the order of clerks.

The Ordination of a Deacon

¶ Then he shall give him the maniple.

¶ For ordaining a deacon.

¶ When a deacon is ordained, his left shoulder (or their left shoulders) shall be girt about with the stole by the bishop, and he shall deliver to him the holy gospel, and say to him (them):

Receive (ye) this volume of the gospel, and read, and understand, and deliver it to others, and do thou (ye) fulfil it in deed.

¶ Then the bishop alone, who blesses him (them), shall lay his hand upon his (their) head; because he is consecrated not to the priesthood but to the ministry.

¶ The blessing of the same.

Let us pray, dearly beloved, God the Father Almighty, that upon this his servant (these his servants) N., whom he vouchsafeth to take into the holy order of the office of deacon, he would mercifully pour forth the grace of his blessing, and graciously grant him the gift of consecration, and mercifully hear our prayers, that he may follow him with his help, and rather justify him by his own choice, whereby he may bring him to everlasting rewards; by the help of our Lord Jesus Christ, who with him [liveth and reigneth].

¶ Another blessing of a deacon or deaconess.

Hear, O Lord, our prayers, and send forth upon this thy servant (these thy servants) N. the spirit of thy blessing; that, enriched with the heavenly gift, he may be able both to obtain the grace of thy majesty and to give to others an example of good living. Through [our Lord].

The Consecration of a Deacon

Be present, we beseech thee, Almighty God, giver of honours, distributor of orders and disposer of offices; who, abiding in thyself, makest all things new and orderest all things; who by thy Word, Power and Wisdom, Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, by thine everlasting providence dost prepare them, and dispensest what is fitting for each several time; whose body, thy Church, distinguished by a variety of heavenly graces and knit together by the distinction of its members, united by a wonderful law of the whole frame, thou grantest to grow and spread for the increase of thy temple; appointing the service of the sacred office to serve thy Name in three degrees of ministers; the sons of Levi having been chosen from the beginning, who, abiding in faithful watches in the mystical works of thy house, should possess by an everlasting lot the inheritance of eternal blessing. Upon this thy servant (these thy servants) also [...] N., we beseech thee, O Lord, look graciously, whom we humbly dedicate to the office of deacon to serve thy sanctuaries. And we indeed, as men ignorant of the divine mind and of the highest reason, judge of his life as far as we can; but from thee, O Lord, the things that are unknown to us do not pass away; secret things deceive thee not; thou art the knower of secrets, thou art the searcher of hearts; thou art able to examine his life by heavenly judgement, whereby thou ever prevailest both to cleanse what has been committed and to grant what is to be done. Send forth upon him (them), O Lord, we beseech thee, the Holy Spirit, whereby he may be strengthened by the gift of thy sevenfold grace for the faithful performing of the work of the ministry. Let the pattern of every virtue abound in him: modest authority, constant chastity, the purity of innocence, and the spiritual keeping of discipline. Let thy commandments shine forth in his manners, that by the example of his chastity he may win the imitation of the holy people; and, showing forth the good testimony of conscience, may continue firm and steadfast in Christ, and by worthy advancement may be found worthy, through thy grace, to receive higher things from the lower degree. Through [our Lord].

Prayers for Completing the Office of Deacon

¶ Also a collect for keeping the office of deacon.

Let our common desire, our common prayer follow; that this man (these men), who by the prayer of the whole Church is prepared for the ministry of the office of deacon, may shine in the order of the levitical blessing, and, resplendent in spiritual conversation, may shine forth by the grace of sanctification. Through [our Lord].

¶ A blessing follows.

O Lord, holy giver of the rewards of hope, faith, grace and progress, who, by the ministries of angels set everywhere in heaven and on earth, spreadest abroad the working of thy will through all the elements: vouchsafe to enlighten this thy servant (these thy servants) N. also with special favour; that, ready for thy service, he may grow up as thy pure minister at thy holy altars, and, purer by thy pardon, may be found worthy of the degree of those whom thine apostles, with blessed Stephen as their leader and forerunner, by the authority of the Holy Spirit, chose to the number of seven; and, furnished with all the virtues with which it behoveth him to serve thee, he may be well pleasing.

The Anointing of the Deacon's Hands

¶ The consecration of the hands of a deacon with holy oil and chrism.

May these hands be consecrated, we beseech thee, O Lord, and be sanctified by this anointing and our blessing; that whatsoever they bless may be blessed, and whatsoever they sanctify may be sanctified. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of a Priest

¶ For ordaining priests.

¶ When a priest (or priests) is ordained, his (their) shoulders shall be girt about with the stole by the bishop. And there he shall be specially charged to which church he ought to minister. And the bishop, blessing him (them), shall hold his hand upon his (their) head. Likewise the priests also who are present shall hold their hands upon his (their) head beside the hand of the bishop.

¶ When the stole is given to the priest.

The Lord gird thy neck with the stole of righteousness, and the Lord purify thy mind from all corruption of sin.

¶ Also a prayer for ordaining a priest.

Let us pray, dearly beloved, God the Father Almighty, that upon this thy servant (these thy servants) N., whom he hath chosen for the office of priest, he would multiply heavenly gifts; and that him whom he receiveth by his favour he may follow with his help. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another prayer.

Hear us, we beseech thee, O Lord God of our salvation, and pour forth upon this thy servant (these thy servants) N. the blessing of the Holy Spirit and the power of priestly grace; that him (them) whom we offer to the sight of thy loving-kindness to be consecrated thou mayest follow with the everlasting bounty of thy gift. Through [our Lord].

The Consecration of a Priest

¶ The consecration of a priest.

O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God, author of honours and distributor of all dignities that serve thee, through whom all things prosper, through whom all things are made firm, the increase of rational nature being ever enlarged for the better by an order disposed with fitting reason. Whence also the priestly degrees and the offices of the levites, instituted with mystical sacraments, have grown; so that, when thou hadst set high priests over the governing of the peoples, thou didst choose for the fellowship and help of their work men of a following order and of the second dignity. So in the wilderness thou didst spread abroad the spirit of Moses into the minds of seventy wise men, using whom as helpers among the people he easily governed countless multitudes. So upon Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron, thou didst pour out the abundance of their father's fulness, that the ministry of priests might suffice for the saving sacrifices and the sacraments of a more frequent office. By this providence, O Lord, thou didst add to the apostles of thy Son teachers of the faith as companions, with whom they filled the whole world with second preachers. Wherefore, O Lord, we beseech thee, grant these helps to our infirmity also, because the frailer we are, the more we need them. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty Father, to this thy servant (these thy servants) N. the dignity of the priesthood; renew in his (their) inward parts the spirit of holiness; that he may hold the office of the second rank received from thee, O God, and by the example of his conversation may commend the strictness of good manners. Let him (them) be a provident fellow-worker (provident fellow-workers) of our order; let the pattern of all righteousness shine forth in him, that, being about to render a good account of the stewardship committed to him, he may obtain the rewards of everlasting blessedness. Through [our Lord].

¶ Also a prayer.

Let there be among us, brethren, a common prayer, that this man (these men), who is chosen for the help and benefit of your salvation, may obtain the blessing of the priesthood by the gift of the divine bounty; that he may obtain the priestly gifts of the Holy Spirit by the privilege of virtues, lest he be found unequal to his place. Through [our Lord].

¶ Also the blessing of the same.

O God, author of all sanctification, whose true consecration is full blessing: do thou, O Lord, pour forth the hand of thy blessing upon this thy servant (these thy servants) N., whom we dedicate to the honour of the priesthood; that by the gravity of his actions and the strictness of his living he may prove himself an elder, instructed in those disciplines which Paul set forth to Titus and Timothy; that, meditating in thy law day and night, O Almighty, he may believe what he shall read, teach what he shall believe, and practise what he shall teach; that he may show in himself righteousness, constancy, mercy and fortitude, prove them by example, and confirm them by admonition; that he may keep pure and undefiled the gift of thy ministry, and by the service of thy people may transform the Body and Blood of thy spotless Son; and that in unbroken charity, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the age of the fulness of Christ, in the day of the justice of the eternal judgement, with pure conscience, full faith, and full of the Holy Spirit, he may render his account. Through the same Lord.

The Vesting with the Chasuble

¶ Here thou shalt vest him with the chasuble.

The Lord clothe thee with the garment of salvation, and set a crown of gladness upon thy head.

The blessing of God the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost descend upon thee (you); and be thou (ye) blessed in the priestly order; and offer acceptable sacrifices for the sins and offences of the people to Almighty God, to whom be honour and glory.

¶ Another, if thou wilt say it.

The blessing of God the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost descend upon thee (you); and, clothed with this priestly vesture, mayest thou be protected and defended from all the assaults of evil spirits; and be thou blessed, and offer acceptable sacrifices for the sins and offences [of the people] to Almighty God, to whom be honour and glory.

The Anointing of the Hands and Head

¶ The consecration of the hand.

Bless, O Lord, and sanctify these hands of thy priest N., for consecrating the sacrifices which are offered for the sins and negligences of the people, and for blessing the other things that are needful for the use of the people; and grant, we beseech thee, that whatsoever they bless may be blessed, and whatsoever they hallow may be hallowed; O Saviour of the world, who livest and reignest.

¶ Making a holy cross with chrism on his (their) hands, thou shalt say:

May these hands be consecrated, we beseech thee, O Lord, and sanctified, by this holy anointing and our invocation and the divine blessing; that whatsoever they bless may be blessed, and whatsoever they sanctify may be sanctified. Through [our Lord].

¶ The consecration of the head with oil.

Let thy head be anointed and consecrated with heavenly blessing in the priestly order; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Peace be with thee. ℟. And with thy spirit.

Masses at the Ordination of Priests and Deacons (appended to the rite)

¶ Also prayers at mass for them, on the day of their ordination or consecration.

Hear, O Lord, the prayers of thy suppliants, and keep with perpetual defence them that serve thee with devoted heart; that, hindered by no troubles, we may render free service to thine offices. Through [our Lord].

¶ Over the oblations.

Work ever, we beseech thee, O Lord, in thy mysteries, that we may offer these gifts to thee with worthy minds. Through [our Lord].

¶ Preface.

It is very meet. Who vouchsafest so to instruct thy rational creature by thy dispensation, lest, given over to temporal goods, it should not strive towards everlasting rewards, that it neither fail under chastisement nor grow insolent in prosperity; but rather that its glorious devotion may bring this to pass, that it be overcome, overwhelmed by no adversities. Through Christ.

¶ At the breaking [of the bread].

This oblation therefore, which we offer to thee for thy servants whom thou hast vouchsafed to advance to the degree of priest or of deacon, we beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to receive; and what thou hast bestowed upon them by divine gift, do thou graciously keep by thy gift. Through [our Lord].

¶ Postcommunion.

Those whom thou refreshest with thy sacraments, O Lord, graciously raise up with thy help; that we may receive the effect of thy redemption both in the mysteries and in our manners. Through [our Lord].

¶ Over the people.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, to the Christian peoples both to understand what they profess and to love the heavenly gift which they frequent. Through [our Lord].

¶ At the ordination of a priest.

O God, who desirest us to imitate the service of those that serve thee worthily: grant us, kindled with the flame of thy charity, that we may be found worthy to obtain the fellowship of the bishops of former times who were pleasing to thee. Through [our Lord].

¶ Over the oblations.

Take from us, O Lord, the spirit of pride, which thou resistest, that our sacrifices may ever be acceptable to thee. Through [our Lord].

¶ Preface.

It is very meet and right. Who, overlooking the sins of human frailty, conferrest upon us unworthy the priestly dignity: grant us, we beseech thee, that thou wouldest make us enter with well-pleasing minds into the most holy mysteries, offering the sacrifices; for thou alone justifiest sinners without fitting works; thou graciously givest grace to the unthankful; thou grantest to forget the things that are behind, and by thy most merciful governance leadest us on to the mysteries promised before. And therefore [with angels and archangels...].

¶ At the completion.

Filled with the draught of the holy Body and precious Blood, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, that the gift of thy grace, which thou hast bestowed upon us undeserving, thou wouldest graciously keep and defend, blessed N. interceding. Through [our Lord].

¶ The mass at the ordination of a deacon.

Graciously attend, we beseech thee, O Lord, to our prayers; and may thy levite (levites), serving thy holy altars and grounded in the truth of the faith, be conspicuous also in spiritual mind.

¶ Over the oblations.

Receive, we beseech thee, O Lord, the sacrifices of thy levite N., by which thou hast granted that integrity of minds consecrated to thee, O Lord, should both be cleansed from earthly contagion and draw near as partakers of heavenly things. Through [our Lord].

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that we may rejoice in the increase of our perfection, and in the fitting service of the Paschal Sacrament. Through [our Lord].

The Ordination of a Bishop

¶ The ordination of a bishop.

¶ When a bishop is ordained, two bishops shall place and hold the book of the Gospels upon his neck, and one shall pour the blessing upon him; and afterwards all the bishops who are present ought to recite these three prayers, while the rest hold their hands upon his head.

Let us pray, dearly beloved, that the goodness of Almighty God may grant to this man N. the bounty of his grace, for the advancement of the Church. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

Be present at our supplications, Almighty God, that what is to be done by the ministry of our lowliness may be fulfilled by the working of thy power. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

Be favourable, O Lord, to our supplications, and, inclining the horn of priestly grace upon this thy servant N., pour forth upon him the power of thy blessing. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another.

Hear, O Lord, the prayers of thy suppliants, that what is to be done by our ministry may rather be established by thy power. Through [our Lord].

[...]

The Consecration of a Bishop

¶ Again let one of them say this prayer over the bishop.

O God of all honours, God of all dignities that serve thy glory in sacred orders; O God, who, instructing Moses thy servant in the intimacy of secret converse, among other teachings of heavenly worship concerning the fashion of the priestly vesture also, didst command that Aaron thy chosen should be clothed in mystic robe in the holy rites, that posterity following might take the sense of understanding from the examples of those before, lest the instruction of thy teaching should be wanting to any age; since both among the ancients the very outward form of the signs obtained reverence, and among us the experience of the realities is more certain than the riddles of the figures. For the worship of that former priesthood is made an adornment for the habit of our mind, and it is no longer the honour of garments that commends the high-priestly glory to us, but the splendour of souls; because those things also which then pleased fleshly eyes required rather that the things signified in them should be understood. And therefore, we beseech thee, O Lord, grant this grace to this thy servant N., whom thou hast chosen for the ministry of the high priesthood: that whatsoever those veils signified in the brightness of gold, in the sparkle of jewels, and in the variety of manifold work, may shine forth in his manners and actions. Fulfil in thy priest the sum of thy ministry, and, furnished with the ornaments of all glorifying, sanctify him with the dew of heavenly ointment. Let this, O Lord, flow abundantly upon his head; let this run down upon his lips; let this descend to the uttermost parts of his whole body; that the power of thy Spirit may both fill his inward parts and cover his outward. Let there abound in him constancy of faith, purity of love, sincerity of peace. Let his feet be beautiful for preaching thy word, not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Give him, O Lord, the keys of the kingdom of heaven, that whatsoever he shall bind on earth may be bound also in heaven, and whatsoever he shall loose on earth may be loosed in heaven; and whose sins he shall retain, let them be retained; [and whose he shall forgive,] do thou, O Lord, vouchsafe to forgive. Give him true humility and perfect patience, that he call not good evil, nor evil good, nor put light for darkness, nor darkness for light. Grant him the episcopal throne for the governing of thy Church and all the people. Be thou his authority, be thou his power, be thou his strength. Multiply upon them (or him) thy blessing and grace, that, by thy gift ever fit for entreating thy mercy, they (he) may by thy grace be devout. Through [our Lord].

The Anointing of the Bishop's Hands and Head

¶ The consecration of the hands of a bishop.

Let these hands be anointed and sanctified, and be ordained in thee, O God of gods. I anoint these hands with hallowed oil and with the purified chrism of anointing, as Moses by the word of his mouth anointed the hands of holy Aaron his brother; and as the Holy Spirit by his breathings anointed the hands of all priests; and as Jesus, the Saviour of us all, sanctifies the hands of his apostles. So let these hands be anointed and sanctified and consecrated, that they may be perfect in all things, in thy Name, O Father, and of thy Son, and of the eternal Holy Spirit, who art one and supreme God of all the living and the dead, abiding world without end.

¶ Another.

Let these hands be anointed and consecrated with hallowed oil, as Samuel anointed David to be king and prophet. So let them be anointed and perfected, in the Name of God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

¶ Now oil is to be put upon his head.

Let thy head be anointed and consecrated with heavenly blessing in the pontifical order. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Peace be with thee. And with thy spirit.

The Staff and the Ring

¶ When the staff is given, this prayer is said.

Receive the staff of the pastoral office; and be thou severe in correcting vices, in anger holding judgement without anger; when thou art angry, remembering mercy.

¶ When the ring is given, this prayer is said.

Receive the ring of the pontifical honour, that thou mayest be defended by the integrity of the faith.

[...]

The Enthronement

¶ A prayer for ordaining a bishop, which ought to be added in the consecration, whose beginning is:

O God of all honours, God of all dignities that serve thy glory in sacred orders; O God, who [didst instruct] Moses thy servant, and so forth, as far as where it says, And therefore to this thy servant N., whom thou hast given as bishop of an apostolic see and primate of all the priests that are in the world, and teacher of thy universal Church, and hast chosen for the ministry of the high priesthood: grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, this grace; grant him the episcopal throne for the governing of thy Church and all the people. Through [our Lord].

¶ Now he is to be set in the episcopal throne, and this prayer is to be said.

Almighty Father, holy, everlasting God, thou hast vouchsafed to set every order in the heavenly seats, as the Psalmist saith, O Lord, thy word endureth for ever. Thou didst ordain angels and archangels in heaven to be appointed to thee each in his order; and under the privilege of the old testament thou didst ordain Moses and Aaron and Samuel, among them that call upon thy name among thy priests, patriarchs and prophets, to be anointed; in the new, by thy Son Jesus Christ, thou didst choose the holy apostles out of all the saints, and didst number first Peter the apostle in the chair of honour, and Matthias his fellow in the apostleship and in the chair of honour, and didst call him into the number of all the holy apostles; and, as the Holy Spirit saith by the prophet, Let them praise the Lord in the seat of the elders: by divine will these things and others befell equally to others also. And now, O Lord, of thine infinite mercy, in our times give like grace to our brother N., after the pattern of thy holy apostles sitting in the chair of honour and dignity, that in the sight of thy majesty he may appear worthy of honour. Through the same [our Lord].

O Lord Jesus Christ, thou didst choose beforehand thine apostles that by their doctrine they might be set over us; so also vouchsafe, in the stead of the apostles, to teach, bless and instruct this bishop to teach doctrine, that he may keep his life spotless and unharmed. World without end.

[...]

The Blessing of the New Bishop

¶ The blessing of the same priest.

May the people honour thee; may the Lord help thee; whatsoever thou shalt ask, may the Lord grant thee; with honour, with chastity, with knowledge, with bounty, with charity, with nobleness. Be thou worthy; be thou just; be thou humble; be thou sincere; be thou courteous; be thou an apostle. Receive the blessing and the apostleship, which may remain on this day and on the day to come. May angels be at thy right hand, the crowned apostles at thy left; may the Church be thy mother, and the altar. May God be thy father; may the angels be thy friends; may the apostles be thy brethren and keep the degree of thine apostleship. May God confirm thee in righteousness, in holiness. In holy Church may angels receive thee. And peace be with thee unbroken, through the Redeemer, our Lord Jesus Christ, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

¶ Another blessing at the completion of a bishop.

May the sevenfold Holy Spirit come upon thee, and the power of the Most High keep thee without sin; and may every blessing that is written in the holy Scriptures come upon thee. May God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, confirm thee, that thou mayest have eternal life and live for ever and ever. Amen.

The Mass at the Ordination of a Bishop

¶ Over the oblations.

May this sacrifice, we beseech thee, O Lord, cleanse our offences, and sanctify the bodies and minds of thy subjects for the celebrating of the sacrifice. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another over the oblations.

Receive, we beseech thee, O Lord, the gifts which we offer to thee for thy servant N., and graciously keep thy gifts in him. Through [our Lord].

¶ At the breaking [of the bread].

This oblation therefore of our service, and of thy whole household, which we offer to thee also for thy servant N., whom thou hast vouchsafed to advance to the order of bishop, we beseech thee, O Lord, graciously to accept, and graciously to keep thy gifts in him; that what [...] he hath obtained by divine gift he may fulfil by divine effects, and our days [be ordered in thy peace]. Through [our Lord].

¶ The episcopal blessing of this mass.

O God, who comfortest the peoples by forgiving, and rulest them by love, give the spirit of wisdom to those to whom thou hast delivered the government of discipline. Amen.

That from the progress of the holy sheep there may be eternal joys of the shepherds, and that they may rejoice together for ever in their election.

And thou who dost dispense the number of our days and the measures of our times by the power of thy majesty, look upon the service of our lowliness, and stretch forth and preserve our times with the abundance of thy peace. Amen.

Be favourable also to the gifts bestowed upon us by thy grace; and him whom thou hast made exalted in the episcopal degree, make acceptable to thee by perfection of works. Amen.

And direct the heart of people and prelate into such affection, that neither the obedience of the flock may be wanting to the shepherd, nor ever the care of the shepherd to the flock. Amen.

May he bless you from heaven, who for the sake of our salvation vouchsafed to come upon earth. Amen.

Which may he [vouchsafe to grant]. Amen.

¶ At the communion.

May this communion, O Lord, purge us from guilt, and make us partakers of the heavenly remedy. Through [our Lord].

¶ Another, at the completion.

Work in us, we beseech thee, O Lord, the full remedy of thy mercy, and make us such that thou mayest vouchsafe graciously to cherish us everywhere. Through [our Lord].