Prior to any ordination, an application containing the names of all those who are to be ordained must be submitted by the parish requesting the ordination(s) to the diaconate executive committee headed by the bishop for review of the completion of all requirement criteria. A certificate of ordination signed by the bishop shall be presented to the ordained following the completion of their ordination.
Please refer to the established criteria for each diaconate rank respectively.
Regarding English hymns of the Liturgy of St. Basil:
The Los Angeles and Southern Diocese Euchologion, “The Divine Liturgy: The Anaphoras of Saints Basil, Gregory, and Cyril Second Edition” November 2007 translation is to be used in all churches. Recordings are to be taught and implemented in local church diaconates of the diocese.
Churches are to have local diaconate meetings. Decisions made by the Diocese diaconate committee have precedence over local church diaconate committees.
Standardization of the deacon’s vestments will be implemented at the diocese level.
Implementation of a chorus of deacons as opposed to an individual lead deacon is strongly encouraged.
In regards to the altar service:
The deacon is responsible for the altar service schedule, he may delegate this responsibility accordingly.
Chanters may be allowed to serve in the sanctuary; however, they may not handle the altar vessels, the censer, or serve as celebrant deacon.
The committee will meet twice per year, during the beginning of the Coptic New Year in September and during the Holy Lent Fast in March.
