THE OFFICE THAT IS USED AT THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ABBOT.
He that is to be appointed abbot is conducted by a protodeacon, or by two deacons, to the Archpriest in the middle of the church, where the Archpriest standeth at the time of the introit with the gospel, if the Archpriest himself be celebrating the liturgy. But if not, they bring to the Archpriest the epitrachelion, the maniples, and the omophorion, and he vesteth himself, standing in his place. And he that is to be appointed abbot is conducted to his place, and inclineth himself to his girdle before the Archpriest thrice, and boweth his head. And the Archpriest, sitting, signeth him with the hand upon his head thrice. And, rising, he layeth his hand upon his head, and the protodeacon having said, Let us pray to the Lord,
the Archpriest saith this prayer.
O God, who ever makest provision for the salvation of men, and gatherest together in one this thy rational flock; do thou, O Master of all things, in thy measureless love to man, thyself preserve this same blameless, keeping thy commandments continually, so that not one sheep thereof may be lost, and be devoured by the wolf. And declare this thy servant, whom thou art pleased to appoint abbot over it, worthy of thy grace, and adorn him with all virtues, that he, by his works, may be a good example to them that are under him, that they, being emulators of his blameless conversation, may stand with him uncondemned before thy fearful judgment-seat.
Exclamation. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Singers. Amen.
Archpriest. Peace to all.
Singers. And to thy spirit. Protodeacon. Bow your heads to the Lord. Singers. To thee, O Lord.
The Archpriest prayeth secretly.
Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hearken unto our prayer, and declare this thy servant to be abbot of this honourable habitation, a faithful and wise administrator over the rational flock committed to him by thy grace, he doing thy will in all things, and becoming worthy of thy heavenly kingdom.
Exclamation.
Through the grace, and compassions, and love to man of thine only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
And the protodeacon saith with a loud voice, Bid, master.
And the Archpriest saith with a loud voice,
The grace of the all-holy Spirit, through our mediocrity, appointeth thee abbot of the honourable habitation of our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, name, whatever title of him the temple may be, or, of our most holy God-bearing Lady, whatever title of her the temple may be, or, of Saint, name, to whom may be dedicated the temple.
Then, laying his hand upon his head, the Archpriest exclaimeth, Axios, thrice. And the singers sing, Axios, thrice.
After this he that hath been appointed abbot
kisseth the Archpriest’s omophorion on the right
and left shoulder; and, being conducted, he rangeth
himself with the other abbots according to rite; and
they go into the altar through the royal
doors, and he acteth with the
ministers according
to rite.