Christ founded the Church, His Body, and He is the true Pastor of the Faithful. He called His chosen apostles to minister in His name to the Church after His Ascension. All baptized members of the Church share in the ministry of the priesthood of the faithful, by offering their time, treasures and talents for the building up of the kingdom of God. The apostles and their successors hold a special position in teaching, sanctifying and governing the faithful as ordained men. 

“Priestly ministry in the Church has a hierarchical structure, the essence of which is most fully manifested in the celebration of the Eucharist. In the Eucharistic assembly the bishop, as successor of the apostles, presides; the presbyters concelebrate with the bishop, while the deacons assist the bishop and the presbyters. Saint Ignatius of Antioch stresses the importance of the hierarchical ministry in the Church: “I exhort you to study to do all things with a divine harmony, while your bishop presides in the place of God, and your presbyters in the place of the assembly of the apostles, along with your deacons, who are most dear to me, and are entrusted with the ministry of Jesus Christ.” (Epistle to the Magnesians) “Apart from these [i.e., the bishops, presbyters, and deacons] there is no Church.” (Epistle to the Trallians)

The Holy Orders in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church consists of the Minor Orders (Candle Bearer, Cantor and Subdeacon) and the Major Orders (Deacon, Priest and Bishop).

If you discern a call to ordained ministry, contact rector@holyspiritseminary.org for more information and for guidance in taking the next steps.