“And then the deacons immediately bring the oblation to the bishop; and he
eucharists the bread into the antitype of the Body of Christ; and the cup of mixed
wine, for an antitype of the Blood, which was shed for all who believe in
Him…Indeed, the bishop shall explain the reason for all these things to those who
partake. Breaking the Bread into individual particles which he then distributes, he
shall say: ‘Heavenly bread in Christ Jesus.’ And he that receives shall answer:
‘Amen.’”
The Apostolic Tradition (C. 215 AD):
2
“Let the Bishop be ordained after he has been chosen by all the people. When
someone pleasing to all has been named, let the people assemble on the Lord’s
Day with the presbyters and with such bishops as may be present. All giving
assent, the bishops shall impose hands on him, and the presbytery shall stand by in
silence. Indeed, all shall remain silent, praying in their hearts for the descent of the
Spirit.”
11
“When a widow is to be appointed, she is not to be ordained, but is designated by
being named such…A widow is appointed by words alone, and is then associated
with the other widows. Hands are not imposed upon her, because she does not
offer the oblation and she does not conduct the Liturgy. Ordination is for the
clergy because of the Liturgy; but a widow is appointed for prayer, and prayer is
the duty of all.”
21
“Baptize first the children; and if they can speak for themselves, let them do so.
Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them…Do you believe in
God, the Father almighty? Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who
was born of the Virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, has been crucified under Pontius
Pilate, died [and was buried], who, on the third day rose again, alive, from the
dead, ascended into heaven and took His seat at the right hand of the Father, and
shall come to judge the living and the dead? Do you believe in the Holy Church
and the resurrection of the body in the Holy Spirit?”
22
“The bishop, imposing his hands on them, shall make an invocation saying: ‘O
Lord God, who made them worthy of the remission of sins through the Holy
Spirit’s washing unto rebirth, send into them your grace so that they may serve you
according to your will: for there is glory to you, to the Father and the Son with the
Holy Spirit, in the Holy Church, both now and through the ages of ages, Amen.’
Then, pouring the consecrated oil into his hands and imposing it on the head of the
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