After the conclusion of the cherubic hymn, he that is to be appointed presbyter is conducted by an archdeacon, or by one of the other deacons, through the royal gates unto the holy table before the Archpriest on the right hand side. And the Archpriest signeth him with the hand crosswise, and he is conducted round the throne thrice, as it is written in the diaconal laying on of hands, while all in the altar sing these troparia.
O holy martyrs, who valiantly contended and are crown’d; pray ye the Lord for mercy on out souls.
Once.
Glory to thee, Christ God, apostles’ boast and martyrs’ joy, whose preaching was the consubstantial Trinity.
Once.
Then, Rejoice, O Esaias, the virgin is with child, and bringeth forth a son, Emmanuel, God and man: the orient is his name, whom magnifying, we call the virgin blessed.
Once.
And he bendeth both knees, and placeth his palms crosswise on the holy table, and layeth his forehead between his hands on the holy table. The Archpriest placeth the end of the omophorion on the head of him that is receiving the laying on of hands, and blesseth him upon the head thrice. And the leading priest having said, Let us attend, the Archpriest, holding his hand upon his head, readeth aloud in the hearing of all them, that stand in the altar,
The divine grace, which always remedieth that which is feeble, and supplieth that which is lacking, layeth hands upon, name, the most pious deacon, to be presbyter: let us therefore pray for him, that the grace of the all-holy Spirit may come upon him.