Roles of readers and subdeacons

[David Allen Moser]

Hi everyone.

I notice that in some places (especially in America), the roles of the readers and subdeacons seem to be almost identical, and that the role of readers and non-reader members of the laity is hard to separate. What is the actual differentiation of these roles?

Thank you.
d.a.m.

[David Galloway]

From my very limited experience, it seems that the role of the subdeacon primarily deals with attending to a bishop during liturgy. In many remote parishes, the bishop can only visit once per year or less, and the altar servers do not serve with a bishop very often.

As far as the role of readers it seems that at least in the OCA it is primarily to chant portions of the service along with reading Psalms while the priest hears confessions. If a mission does not have a priest, the bishop can tonsure a reader to lead typica services until the mission can find a priest. Your mileage may vary, though, as I am familiar with several local Greek parishes that tonsure all altar servers as readers at the age of 12.

[John Royce]

Actually, David, I don't think the Greek parishes, at least if they are GOA, are tonsuring all altar servers as readers. It appears, at least to me, that the GOA has restored the Order of Acolyte and that is the order to which the GOA altar servers are being tonsured. Readers in the GOA are generally tonsured to the Order of Psaltis, equivalent to the Russian/Slavic "Psalomchik," which may be translated as "Psalm-reader," or simply "Reader."

[David Galloway]

John, thanks for the clarification. I don't believe there is a similar order in the OCA, but it seems to be a good idea, especially when I think of two of our acolytes. K. is in his 30's with a wife and infant daughter and is studying to be a deacon. E. is a young man(20) who has served in the altar for more than half of his life, and although studying literature at this point, will probably look to seminary later in life. These men who give so much to my parish should have a similar honor as our hardworking Readers.

[Richard McBride]

"These men who give so much to my parish should have a similar honor as our hardworking Readers."

There is a problem for readers: Enjoying the honour of serving "up front"; this error of pride is difficult to confront;

as for those serving in the Altar, they miss the joy of concentrating upon the movement of the Liturgies, but they gain in their interior service alone; serving in the Altar has its own rewards;

but the great blessing goes to those who serve anonymously.

Any service to the Lord is between the One and the other; it matters not what people outside that loop think -- with the exception of which Paul speaks:
A servant of the Lord must be careful not to embarass anyone who otherwise might have come unto Him; in this, the servant must be attuned to will of the Lord.

So, there is no point in "honouring" anyone who serves; in fact, such honour could be a serious cause of pride and do worse than defeat the purpose.

I think it is best to appreciate servants in one's prayers.

richard mcb