celibates

Source: Interfax

3 February 2011

The MP Archpastoral Council, at its present session in Moscow, found it necessary to limit the practise of ordaining young celibate men to the clerical state.

In a special resolution published on Thursday, the bishops resolved, “We regard the practise of ordaining celibate men not in monastic orders, especially those not previously married, as not being according to the usual norms”.

Having considered the matter, and taking into account the decisions made by the all-Russian Council of 1918 and the MP Holy Synod in January 1931, the bishops decreed that the ordination of celibate men not in monastic orders shouldn’t occur before the candidate reaches the age of 30, and “only after the ordaining bishop conducts a thorough examination of him”.

A celibate candidate for ordination not in the monastic state must first complete their seminary, academic, or other higher theological education. If he takes external courses not in residence, he must pass at least three years internship in a diocesan cathedral, a Patriarchal or diocesan metochion, or a large urban parish or monastery with the blessing of the ruling bishop and under the general supervision and guidance of an experienced priest.

Google translation:

Unmarried men, if they are not monks, will be harder to become priests of the Russian Church

Moscow. February 3. Interfax – The Bishops’ Council, which takes place in these days in Moscow, found it necessary to limit the practice of the ordination of young, unmarried men in the sacred dignity.

In a special resolution of the council, published Thursday, the bishops acknowledge that “the practice of ordination of celibate persons who are not a monk, especially those not previously married, must be regarded as exceptional.”

Having considered the matter and taking into account the decision of All-Russian Council of 1918 and the Synod, held in January 1931, the bishops decided that the ordination of celibate persons who are not a monk, should be done no earlier than they reach the age of 30, and “Especially for the trial of the ordained Bishop. ”

In this case, a candidate for ordination in the single state without taking monastic ordination must first obtain a complete seminary, academic, or other higher theological education. If this education turns them in absentia, he must pass at least three years practice of clergymen in the Cathedral, the Patriarch or bishop’s courtyard, mnogoshtatnom urban parish or monastery with the blessing of the ruling bishop and under his general supervision and under the guidance of an experienced priest.