19- The laying on of hands

[17] The Deacons Were Not Canonical Until The Disciples Laid Their Hands On Them

When the Church needed the service of the new deacons, did they volunteer themselves, or submit an application to be appointed?

It is obvious that this was never the case, but we see that the apostles set the rule for selection as stated by the Book of Acts;

(Acts 6:3) "Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

Here we should also ask a couple of questions

1) Was it sufficient to just select the most qualified?

St-Takla.org Image: H. H. Pope Shenouda breathing on Fr. Kirellos Kolta of Saint TaklaHaymanout Church, Alexndria, Egypt, during his ordination as a Hegomen. And seen in the back Father Monk Cherubim Al-Bakomy صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: قداسة البابا شنوده ينفخ النفخة المقدسة في وجه قدس أبونا كيرلس قلته كاهن كنيسة القديس تكلاهيمانوت، الإسكندريةـ مصر، خلال رسامته قمصا. ويظهر في الخلف قدس أبونا الراهب شاروبيم الباخومي

2) Did any say; “here we found and elected the most qualified, let them start serving?

We see that non of the elected were authorised to commence their work until the apostles had laid their hands on them.

Even the deaconship, no one can carry out its duties without canonical ordination.

(Acts 6:5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,

Stephen was not only full of the Holy Spirit, but he was also full of faith, however he still needed ordination.

Stephen was a miracle performer with the gift of healing, but still required the “Laying on of Hands”.

(Acts 6:8) And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.

[18] The Church Is Of Principal Importance As The Only Channel To Canonise The Ministers

Here we see that the being full of the Spirit and wisdom, full of faith and power, capable of performing miracles did not automatically admit Saint Stephen to assume the grade and the duties of deaconship. He had to first be canonised and sent by the Church. He had to receive the “Laying on of Hands” to assume his office and obtain the authority to serve.

Hence it is not for those who desire it or those who seek after the position.

[19] The Laying On Of Hands Was Carried Out By The Apostles And Not By The Congregation

Here we see that the “Laying on of Hands” was not a congregational matter, but rather hierarchical and apostolic.

(Acts 6:6) whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

Was it possible for any of these candidates full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom dare say “We are all Kings and Priests?” as regrettably uttered, nowadays, by some less worthy to Saint Stephen.

It is remarkable to observe these deserving and highly qualified candidates submitted to the scriptural truth in order to receive this gift from the Church hierarchy and the apostles who said: “whom we may appoint over this business”

[20] Qualifications And Talents Are Not A Substitution For The Priestly Authority

Qualifications and talents and gifts do not suffice for the mission.

Saint Stephen was a great preacher as well as a learned scholar in the Word of God and was capable of debating and convincing all the assemblies, which resisted him;

(Acts 6:10) And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

But this talent and ability needed legitimisation by the Church as uttered by Saint Paul:

(Rom 10:15) And how shall they preach unless they are sent? This is also what Christ the Chief Priest said to His disciples: (John 20:21) So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

And in the same way they were sent, they in turn sent the other servants, passing on to them the same Spirit and authority, as we have discussed this issue before here on st-takla.org in other sections. Hence, the “Laying on of hands” flowed uninterrupted from one generation to the next.

[21] Laying On Of Hands Is Not Limited To The Ordination Of Deacons, But Also To Higher Offices

Saint Paul the great apostle saw Christ on the road to Damascus, and was called chosen vessel.

(Acts 9:15) But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

Saint Paul was not only called by the Son, but also by the Father Himself:

(Gal 1:15-16) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, {16} to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

As well Saint Paul was also selected and called by the Holy Spirit:

(Acts 13:2) As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Even though Saint Paul was selected by the Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, he did not assume his service until he gained approval through the legitimate channels of the Church, and “The Laying On Of hands”.