Tonsuring of a reader

[Kris]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with the service for the tonsuring of a Reader. More specifically, I am looking for the service that mentions both the office of Reader and that of the Tape-bearer (ecclesiarch/sacristan).

The Orthodox Wiki article (http://orthodoxwiki.org/Reader) I came across states that "The office of a reader subsumes that of a taper-bearer, and the service of tonsuring a reader mentions both functions." However, the Antiochian service (http://www.antiochianladiocese.org/liturgics/hierarch/reader.htm) I came across seems to mention only the responsibilities of Reader, and not those of Tape-bearer (unless I've missed something).

If there's a difference between Slavic and Byzantine usage, the latter would be preferable.

Thanks!

In XC,
Kris

[Paul Cowan]

Kris,

I can't answer your question but have one of my own on the same topic. I am the senior (oldest) alcolyte in my parish. The below from Orthodox Wiki suggests the Taper-bearer and the Alcolyte are the same thing? I tried to do a more detailed search on taper-bearer but it did not lend much to explanation.


Acolyte
From OrthodoxWiki

In some Christian churches, an acolyte is one who aspires to priesthood. More generally, the term can refer to anyone who performs liturgical duties such as lighting altar candles, preparing charcoal for incense, and assisting the major orders with the liturgy.

The Orthodox Church no longer possesses an exact equivalent for this office. The order of acolyte has fallen into disuse with other minor orders, such as doorkeepers and exorcists. At one time there was a rank of minor clergy called the taper-bearer, responsible for bearing lights during processions and liturgical entrances. However, this rank has long ago been subsumed by that of the reader and the service for the ordination of a reader mentions both functions. The functions of an acolyte or taper-bearer are therefore carried out by readers, subdeacons, or by unordained men or boys. Subdeacons wear their normal vestments consisting of the sticharion and crossed orarion; readers and unordained servers generally wear the sticharion alone.


This poem from a Eastern Orthodox Blogger (http://evlogeite.com/?page_id=159)

TAPER BEARER

The candle that you dimly hold

against the weight of streaming beams

of Sunday sunlight seems

unnecessary.

Leading the procession with that light

you seem so small.

What’s a taper bearer’s candle

in the shadow of the Gospel

high above a priestly head?

And why your light

before the Chalice

which extinguished light

at Calvary?

But why did God choose human whim

to do a work as great

as Restoration’s goal?

The Gospel is inspired

beyond our thoughts,

the Chalice is Divine.

Instead for us you stand

conspicuously small

and bear the Christ

that burns within

our soul.


Copyright 2006 James E. Nelson


I don't know if these are "official" but this from a blog of a newly ordained reader. (http://paradosis.blogspot.com/2007/07/taper-bearer-well-these-prayers-are.html)


O Lord God, Supreme Sovereign, select this Thy servant N. and sanctify him, and enable him to perform with all wisdom and understanding the reading and teaching of Thy Divine Word, and preserve him in a blameless life, through the mercy and kindness of Thine Only-Begotten Son, with Whom Thou are blessed, together with Thy most Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages...My son, the Order of Reader is the first step in the Priesthood. Therefore, it becomes thee as thou readest the Divine Scriptures daily, to strive after virtue, so that those who listen to thee may receive edification. Never allow any blemish to disgrace the order which thou hast received, that thou mightest prepare thyself for a higher order. And living peacefully in righteousness and holiness, thou shalt win favor with God and obtain a superior ministry, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to Whom belongeth all glory, honor, and adoration, together with His Eternal Father and with the most Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I'm done Googling for the night.

Paul

[Herman Blaydoe]

I would say that, yes, the terms acolyte and "taper-bearer" are essentially synonymous.

[Kris]

I would say that, yes, the terms acolyte and "taper-bearer" are essentially synonymous.

Would any of the clergymembers here happen to have the Book of Needs handy? Does give any further information?

Thanks

[Herman Blaydoe]

The office for the appointment of a reader (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/shann/needs.v.i.html).

Perhaps this might prove useful?

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

Would any of the clergymembers here happen to have the Book of Needs handy? Does give any further information?

Thanks

No not really. The Book of Needs (ie in Slavonic: The Trebnik) is a collection of intercessory services (molebnii pl or moleben sing) and also services such as Baptism, Marriage, Confession, and the Funeral service.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Kris]

The office for the appointment of a reader (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/shann/needs.v.i.html).

Perhaps this might prove useful?

Although the prayers seem to be the same, this one specifically mentions both readers and tape-bearers and so seems to be what I was looking for.

Thanks Herman!


No not really. The Book of Needs (ie in Slavonic: The Trebnik) is a collection of intercessory services (molebnii pl or moleben sing) and also services such as Baptism, Marriage, Confession, and the Funeral service.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

Your blessing Father,

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post, much appreciated.