Office of Reader

PFC Nektarios · Post by **PFC Nektarios** » Wed 12 May 2004 3:49 am

What are the requirments to become a reader in the Orthodox Church? Like for the MP, JP, AP, EP, ect....?

In Christ
Nektarios

Vicki · Post by **Vicki** » Wed 12 May 2004 8:24 am

Dear Nektarios,

In a perfect world (!) the office of Reader is conferred on one who has made a significant effort to learn the chant traditions of the parish in question, leads a sacramental life within that parish (ie: participates regualrly in the Mysteries, doesn't just write a check for Stewardship), and is atttached for some time TO that parish, as Canonically, Readers need a blessing to permanently switch parishes.

IIRC, Jordanville offers courses in reading, as well as chanting. I do not believe anywhere else outside of Greece is QUITE that organized. Greece and many other places of course have chanter's schools, but Jordanville is, IIRC, the only place where readers seem to be mentioned, as a separate discipline.

Like any other form of setting aside (as for tonsured taper-bearers) it is up to Clergy to determine that you are ready to be tonsured a Reader, and not something that you would request on your own, although it could be "argued" that showing dedication by attending chant/reading classes is a tacit request for such, the goal is, first and foremost, to glorify God, if you have a talent for this.

Vicki

PFC Nektarios · Post by **PFC Nektarios** » Wed 12 May 2004 8:32 pm

Thank you vicki.

In Christ
Nektarios