The Laity and the Ecclesiastical Power: Canonical and Legal Considerations
The Laity and the Ecclesiastical Power: Canonical and Legal Considerations

Summary/Abstract: This study approaches the exercise of religious power by laymen from a theological and canonical point of view. Of the three dimensions of church ministry, that is the teaching, consecrating and judicial offices, only the sacramental does not allow for the collaboration of laity since the secular state, as compared to the clerical state, is in a position of gracious inferiority. The holy Sacrament of Ordination confers to the recipient the right to perform all the holy duties according to the holy established canons; therefore, the laymen cannot perform them since they lack the grace of the Priesthood received by Ordination. All canonically-prescribed holy works are the sole responsibility of clergy. The topic of lay participation in the exercise of religious power, approached from a dogmatic and canonical perspective, has been an on-going problem for the entire Orthodox Church as its faithful are actively engaged not only in worship, but also in the entire religious life: its teaching, social, philanthropic, cultural and administrative activities.

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