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The Divine Liturgy, Part 4
The Priesthood
Talk by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen)
April 21, 2026

Topics discussed include: 
(1) John 20:19-23. The Ordination of the Apostles. This occurs 40 days before Pentecost and is NOT just another version of Pentecost as some claim. Rather it is a unique charism given to the Apostles, e.g., to forgive or to retain sins.
(2) The nature of Sacrifice. It was never so much about sanctifying the animal, but about sanctifying those who partake of it, forgiving their sins.
(3) Only a fraction of the Priesthood is rational --- most is spiritually (noetically) perceived, allowing experience of the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit. It means personal communion with the Divine Energies and spiritual perception of all noetic beings including people.
(4) God actively shows himself to all faithful believers by means of contemplative prayer and ascetic practice. The steps to achieve this are 1) Scriptural contemplation, 2) Natural contemplation of the divine idea (logos) behind each creature/person, 3) Divine contemplation (Theologia); 
(5) "The Holy" (Priesthood) are ordained to consecrate the sacraments, etc; "The Most Holy" (Episcopate) are able to ordain others to do so. The hierarchy becomes the source of sanctification for the Faithful.
(6) Christ is the ultimate sin-bearer. Bishops and Priests bear the sins of the people, fulfilling the type of Christ, as well as bringing their offerings of thanksgiving and their intentions. This offering is recapitulated in Christ and His Body and Blood is returned to sanctify us. To be a Christian means to be sanctified, to be made holy.
(7) Priests are not super-Christians but have a special stewardship / responsibility and charism to administer the sacraments, providing for the distribution of the Holy Spirit throughout the community;
(8) Discussion of quotations from the Fathers (Sts John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, Ignatius of Antioch). The Orthodox always correct themselves back to the Fathers. St Ignatius emphasized being subject to the Episcopate (Hierarchy) in everything, and the centrality of the Eucharist in everything.
(9) On formation of Priests. This was traditionally by discipleship to a Priest and sponsorship to the Bishop when and if ready. This model continues in Monasticism. For Parish Priests, the model now typically involves higher education, then seminary, with online options for those who are already supporting families. In all cases, the candidate should exhibit maturity, sobriety, stability, and ideally preservation of virginity until marriage. An educated wife who is able to assist her husband is also highly valued.
(10) On discipline within the hierarchy --- there is a hierarchy of accountability: Priests, Bishops, Primates, and Councils of Bishops and Primates. Note: being a heretic is not easy --- it is not just believing something wrong, but spreading it to others and trying to create a schism around yourself.
(11) The congregation surrounding the Priests surrounding the Bishop is an icon and liturgical manifestation of the Church, the Kingdom of God.