Why Do Priests Lay On The Floor During Ordination

Prostration is the placement of the body in a reverentially or submissively prone position as a gesture typically prostration is distinguished from the lesser acts of bowing or kneeling by involving a part of the body above the knee touching the ground especially the hands.

Why do priests lay on the floor during ordination.

Ordination has a rich history among believers beginning in the old testament. During my priestly ordination as i lay prostrate on the floor of the cathedral i had a good look at the name of st. This is in keeping with an ancient text found in the apostolic tradition which is believed to have been written by hippolytus in 280 a d. At the conclusion of the laying on of hands and prayer of ordination the candidates are priests.

Why does the ordinand lie prostrate during the ordination. In christianity the laying on of hands greek. Cheirotonia χειροτονία literally laying on of hands is both a symbolic and formal method of invoking the holy spirit primarily during baptisms and confirmations healing services blessings and ordination of priests ministers elders deacons and other church officers along with a variety of other church sacraments and holy. He states that this common laying on of hands takes place at a priest s ordination because they all have a common and similar spirit.

The rest of the priests in attendance then lay hands on the candidates. What is the meaning of the laying on of hands. Their selection as servant leaders was clearly from the lord involved an elaborate ceremony and was done in public before the people. All priests present at the mass will then do the same in turn.

I couldn t help but marvel at the providence of being reminded of st. This is an ancient ritual symbolizing the fraternity and brotherhood that is shared in the priesthood. The bishop then prays the prayer of ordination over the candidates. The laying on of hands enters this priest into an unbroken lineage that tradition upholds leads back to the first apostles.

Timothy s ordination was specifically mentioned in 2 timothy 1 6 where paul wrote for this reason i remind you to fan into flame the gift of god which is in you through the laying on of my hands timothy was set apart as a church leader and was to continue living out his calling in the church at ephesus. Major world religions employ prostration as an act of submissiveness or worship to a supreme being or other worshiped. Peter engraved into the floor as my nose was pressed against his name. The first example that most would point to is the consecration of aaron and his sons as priests lev.

By this ritual the ordaining bishop and the other priests invoke the holy spirit to come down upon the one to be ordained giving him a sacred character and setting him apart for the designated ministry.