Subdeaconate

[Kris]

Hi,

I just wanted to enquire as to whether a person ordained to the subdeaconate could marry, or whether the same rules applied as for deacons and priests.

Thanks

In XC,
Kris

[Father David Moser]

This one varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions the subdeacon is subject to the same qualifications and restrictions as those above him, in other jurisdictions, the subdeacon is more closely related to the rank of readers. So the only person who could answer that question for you is your local ruling hierarch (or perhaps his representative, your priest).

Fr David Moser

[Kris]

This one varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some jurisdictions the subdeacon is subject to the same qualifications and restrictions as those above him, in other jurisdictions, the subdeacon is more closely related to the rank of readers. So the only person who could answer that question for you is your local ruling hierarch (or perhaps his representative, your priest).

Fr David Moser

Your blessing Father,

Are there no canonical regulations regarding this?

[Father David Moser]

In general yes, there are canonical guides, however, there is a lot of difference in how each national church has chosen to implement them. The main "divide" (but certainly not a hard and fast one) is between Byzantine and Slavic traditions. Byzantines tend to allow subdeacons to marry and Slavs tend to hold subdeacons to the diaconal standard - but again, I only say "tend to" because I have seen differences on both sides of that line. You really have to ask your own priest or your ruling bishop.

Fr David Moser