Becoming a Reader in the Orthodox Church

[SpyridonOCA]

I've been asked to become a reader at my church. It feels kind of daunting because there seems to be a lot of learning and commitment involved, and I'm just a foolish young man. Please pray that I can be up to the task. What exactly should I know before learning to be a reader? How does one become prepared?

 

[Nickolai]

Being a Reader is basically the first step toward becoming a priest (as it says in the service for tonsuring a Reader). Your main roles in the parish will probably be reading epistles and services.

The best way to prepare yourself (for practical aspects) is to learn how to chant well, and to learn the way the services are set up (i.e. know what the Menaion and the Octoechos are and how to use them in conjunction with the Horologion) The best way to learn this stuff is to study under someone. Priests are usually the best people to study under since they have to know how the services work and your role is directly tied to their's.

But it is also important to prepare yourself spiritually for the role as well. By reading the scripture, fasting, and praying. While being a
Reader is not a very heavy burden, it's still not one to be taken lightly, since it is considered to be a lesser clerical rank.

 

[Mary of Bethany]

We have two Subdeacons and four tonsured Readers, plus probably 5 or 6 "lay" readers who take turns being the "Reader" for the week in our parish.

I know when Abp. DMITRI tonsures Readers, he exhorts them to be well prepared by knowing the Scriptures well, and to pray and study the Scriptures daily.

I'm sure you'll do well!

Mary

 

[authiodionitist]

Candidates for tonsure in the DOW are prepared and presented to the Bishop by the candidate's pastor.