Hierominen

Hierominen is the ordination of a monk to the priesthood within Eastern Christian churches. The term derives from Greek cheirotonía, meaning laying on of hands, and refers to the sacramental act by which a monk becomes a priest while often retaining his monastic status. The ordination is typically performed by a bishop during a liturgical service, and includes the laying on of hands, prayers of ordination, and the investiture with priestly vestments. After hierominen, the ordinand is authorized to perform the duties of a priest, such as celebrating the Divine Liturgy, administering sacraments, and providing pastoral ministry. If the ordinand was a monk, he is commonly called a hieromonk, a monk who also serves as a priest.

Context and variations: The exact form and rules of hierominen vary among Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches. In many Orthodox communities ordination to the priesthood is reserved for celibate monastics; in others, married men may be ordained as priests but would not join monastic life afterwards. The rite of hierominen is part of the broader institution of Holy Orders in these churches, distinct from episcopal ordination, which is required to ordain bishops.

See also: Cheirotonía; Hieromonk; Epitrachelion; Holy Orders.