Note 8 — Chapter XV · THE SIBERIAN CHURCH.

Each of the five orders has a separate ordination. At the ordination of a reader, he is clothed with a vestment called a sticharion; and the bishop among other things says to him, “Son, ... it is your duty daily to study the Holy Scriptures, and to endeavour to make such proficiency therein that those who hear you may receive edification.” A sub-deacon, on ordination, wears an orarion, like an English stole, girded crosswise over his shoulders. The bishop puts a towel also on the left shoulder of the newly ordained, and delivers him a basin and ewer, in which the bishop washes his hands. A deacon, when ordained, kisses the four corners of the holy table, the bishop’s hands and shoulder, and the part of his garment called the epigonation. He kneels on his right knee, lays his hands crosswise on the holy table, and puts his forehead between his hands. The bishop’s omophorion, or pall, is placed on his head, the stole on his left shoulder, and he is presented with sleeves or cuffs, and a fan with which to fan the sacramental elements. When ordained priest, the stole is exchanged for a similar vestment, called an epitrachelion, and there are also added a phelonion and a girdle.

The consecration, however, of a bishop is much more elaborate. He is called upon to confess the Nicene Creed. He anathematizes sundry heretics in particular, and all of them in general; confesses the Virgin Mary to be properly and truly the mother of God; and prays that she may be his helper, his preserver, and protectress all the days of his life. He promises to preserve his flock from the errors of the Latin Church; declares that he has not paid money for the dignity about to be conferred upon him; promises not to go into other dioceses without permission, nor to ordain more than one priest and one deacon at the same service; further, that he will yearly, or at least biennially, visit and inspect his flock; and among other things take care that the homage due to God be not transferred to holy images. He puts on his sakkos and other episcopal garments; and there is delivered to him the panagion, or jewel, for the neck; mantyas, or ordinary cloak; the cowl, mitre, rosary, and pastoral staff; after which he walks to his house attended by two of the superior clergy.