"Every high priest . . . is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In this same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: 'You are my son; this day I have begotten you'." Hebrews 5:1-5

Throughout the history of time, God has called [ordained or set apart] those who are to serve Him in special ways. This was true of the Patriarchs, the Judges, the Kings, the Prophets, and the Priests. In all of these situations there was a specific "setting aside" or ordination. The New Testament reflects the same for the Apostles [and thus for the Bishops who are successors to the Apostles], the Deacons and the Presbyters [Priests]. There are abundant and extensive early Church writings and the Church Fathers are united in the way the Holy Spirit and the Lord Himself directed the calling of men to lead His Church.

In effect, reality is that the Priesthood is the extension of the ministry of Jesus that He is fulfilling in Heaven. Through His Priests, the fullness of the power and authority given to the Apostles continues to this day in keeping with His promises to "never leave us".

Holy Orders, like Baptism and Confirmation, are "one time". Unlike Baptism and Confirmation which is for everyone, Holy Orders are reserved for those whom He has called and are validated by the Bishops and the Church.

Deacons are called to serve the Church. They are not "junior priests", but have a unique and Biblical ministry as servants. They are ordained, but they don't have the function of a Priest. They may not pronounce Absolution or hear Confession. Nor do they have the authority to consecrate Eucharist. Some deacons will become priests, but there are also "permanent deacons" who are called to ministry of service.

The Priest is like "another Christ" because he is marked with an indelible character, making him, as it were, a living image of our Lord. The priest represents Christ who said "As the Father has sent me, I also send you; he who hears you hears me". (See 2 Tim 1:6). The phrase "Once a priest always a priest" is similar to "you are a priest forever" that is found in Apostolic Tradition.

Both Priest and Deacons are ordained by a Bishop in Apostolic Succession back to the original Apostles. In reality, a Bishop is the Apostle extended to our time. Only Bishops in Apostolic Succession can, according to Apostolic Tradition and Holy Scripture, properly ordain.

Bishops are "consecrated" from the presbytery. They are elevated by a minimum of three other Bishops in Apostolic Succession to receive the fullness of Apostolic authority.

The Charismatic Episcopal Church ordains and consecrates in full Apostolic Succession from the Apostle St. Peter in accordance with full Biblical authority and Apostolic Tradition. In fact, the CEC enjoys lines of Apostolic Succession back to several Apostles and are thus part of the historic orthodox catholic tradition.

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