Then they raise him up, and loosen his girding. And the Archpriest, taking the orarion, layeth it upon his left shoulder saying with a loud voice, Axios. And they sing in the altar thrice, Axios. And in like manner without by both choirs. Then the maniples are given him, and the Archpriest saith, Axios. And they sing the same in the altar thrice, and in like manner without. Then the fan is given him, and the Archpriest saith, Axios. And they sing in the altar and without according to custom. And he kisseth the Archpriest on the shoulder, and placeth himself by the altar, and fanneth the holy things.
THE OFFICE THAT IS USED AT THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ARCHDEACON AND A PROTODEACON.
He that is to be appointed an archdeacon is led by a protodeacon and a deacon unto the right reverend Archpriest in the middle of the church, where the Archpriest is standing at the time of the introit with the gospel; and he inclineth himself to his girdle before the Archpriest thrice, and boweth his head. And the Archpriest, sitting, signeth him with the hand on his head crosswise, thrice; and, rising, he layeth his hand upon his head. And the deacon having said, Let us pray to the Lord,
the Archpriest saith this prayer.
Master, Lord our God, who, by thine unspeakable providence, hast given to our race archdeaconship, that they that are endued therewith may command and serve, with the subordinate ministers at thy divine mysteries; do thou thyself endue with this grace of archdeaconship thy present servant, name, and adorn him with thy virtue to stand at the head of the deacons of thy people, and to be a good example to them that are under him. And make him to attain unto a ripe old age to glorify thy majestic name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Archpriest signeth his head crosswise, saying, Blessed be the Lord, lo, the servant of God, name, is archdeacon (or protodeacon) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
And the Archpriest, laying his hand upon his head, exclaimeth, Axios, thrice. And the singers sing, Axios, thrice. And they enter the altar according to rite.