Chapter 44

1Similarly, let a subdeacon who is chaste be appointed, with the bishop praying over him. On the first day of the week, in the hearing of all the people, let the bishop say over him:

2You, N., minister and hear the Gospel in the fear of God. Cultivate the knowledge of your soul in holiness. Keep yourself pure. Discipline yourself. Observe, obey, and listen meekly. Do not neglect prayers and fasts, so that the Lord may give you rest and make you worthy of a higher degree.

3Let all the priests say: So be it, so be it, so be it.