Bishops and Presbyters

[Lucretius]

Eastern Catholics and Orthodox: why can’t a Priest ordain other priests? Why is it only Bishops can?

Can priest theoretically ordain other other men, yet should not because of tradition, or is it it actually impossible for priests to ordain? Why?

In other words, I am asking whether there is a real difference between bishops and priests, or are bishops reducible to head priests, priests that happen to oversee all the other priests in his territory? I know many Protestants (and I believe Luther) take this latter view.

Thank You!

Christi pax,

Lucretius

 

[JurisPrudens]

Eastern Catholics and Orthodox: why can’t a Priest ordain other priests? Why is it only Bishops can?

Can priest theoretically ordain other other men, yet should not because of tradition, or is it it actually impossible for priests to ordain? Why?

In other words, I am asking whether there is a real difference between bishops and priests, or are bishops reducible to head priests, priests that happen to oversee all the other priests in his territory? I know many Protestants (and I believe Luther) take this latter view.

Thank You!

Christi pax,

Lucretius

The Bishops are the only FULL priests, possessing the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. This is why only they can perform all the sacraments, Holy Orders included.

Bishop is not just the “head priest” or an overseer. He is the head of the particular church, being able to perform “in persona Christi” all the functions of the Church: sanctifying, teaching and governing. The bishop is the successor of the Apostles, ensuring his church follows the Christian teaching.
While the bishop is obliged to consult his clergy and laity, only he eventually takes the decisions on the life of the diocese.
All the ecclesiastical structures above diocesan level (synod, conferences, councils) are essentially the structures of bishops, where only bishops have decisive vote, while all others can only give advice.

P.S. Sorry, did not notice the question is for the Eastern Rites only. But my answers still stands, I believe.

 

[Lucretius]

The Bishops are the only FULL priests, possessing the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. This is why only they can perform all the sacraments, Holy Orders included.

Bishop is not just the “head priest” or an overseer. He is the head of the particular church, being able to perform “in persona Christi” all the functions of the Church: sanctifying, teaching and governing. The bishop is the successor of the Apostles, ensuring his church follows the Christian teaching.
While the bishop is obliged to consult his clergy and laity, only he eventually takes the decisions on the life of the diocese.
All the ecclesiastical structures above diocesan level (synod, conferences, councils) are essentially the structures of bishops, where only bishops have decisive vote, while all others can only give advice.

P.S. Sorry, did not notice the question is for the Eastern Rites only. But my answers still stands, I believe.

I agree that this position is the one that Tradition teaches; it’s just that when I see Orthodox Catechists on the subject, I tend to ambiguous answers.

Anyway, thank you for the response!

Christi pax,

Lucretius

 

[user1234]

A priest cannot give Holy Orders to another man. The reason is they were not given authority to by their ordination. Only Bishops who share in the fullness of the priesthood are able to. It’s just not possible for a priest to do that.

 

[thephilosopher6]

Eastern Catholics and Orthodox: why can’t a Priest ordain other priests? Why is it only Bishops can?

Can priest theoretically ordain other other men, yet should not because of tradition, or is it it actually impossible for priests to ordain? Why?

In other words, I am asking whether there is a real difference between bishops and priests, or are bishops reducible to head priests, priests that happen to oversee all the other priests in his territory? I know many Protestants (and I believe Luther) take this latter view.

Thank You!

Christi pax,

Lucretius

A Priest cannot validly give Holy Orders in any rite of the Church. It is not a matter of tradition, such as priestly celibacy is, but it is doctrine. Priest do not have the fullness of Holy Orders like Bishops do. There is a real difference between Bishops and Priest. As said above, Bishops are the only “full” priests. They can conduct all priestly duty’s.

Protestants don’t believe in the idea of a ministerial priesthood with the exception of most Anglicans and some High Church Lutherans. Though Luther himself did not believe in the ministerial priesthood.