When a man is ordained to the diaconate or priesthood, during the service the bishop shouts "Axios" (he is worthy) and the people respond in kind. What would be the procedure if someone, God forbid, were to shout "ANaxios" (He is NOT worthy)? Would the candidate have a chance to answer for himself? Would the ordination be delayed until further investigation could be made by the hierarch? I've never seen this happen, and only have heard of it happening once in recent years. Anyone know about this?
In Christ,
Michael
Let's start from the beginning... When the candidate is brought out, the clergymen who are escorting him say "Kelevson, Kelevsate, Kelevson Despota Agie, to nin prosferomenon soi," or, "Command (singular), Command (plural), Command (singular) Master Holy, the one brought before you." This is the point in the service where commentary on the candidate's worthiness or unworthiness is to be made. The first "Command" is to God, the second "Command" is to the people, and the third is to the hierarch. If any one of the three has an objection, then the time when "command" is said is when it should take place - before the candidate has actually been ordained.
Now, if an objection has been brought up, it is the duty of the hierarch to investigate whatever claims are made. If the claim is spurrious to begin with, he can continue with the ordination. If there is credence to the claim, then it is his responsibility to investigate it. The Liturgy should continue without the ordination in it.
