Who Performs the Sacraments/Mysteries?

[NewOrtho]

In Catholicism, there is the view that in certain sacraments, a non-priest/bishop can be the minister.  For example, deacons are able to baptize in ordinary circumstances, and laity and even non-Christians can baptize in emergency situations (i.e. imminent death).  A deacon can also be the witness of matrimony, since the man and woman are the ministers.  How does Orthodoxy view the ordinary ministers of the mysteries?  Can a deacon baptize?  Can lay or non-Christians baptize in extraordinary situations?  I know that Eastern Christianity views Matrimony differently, as far as it is something conferred by the priest (right?). 

Basically, who can and cannot celebrate the Mysteries of Orthodoxy?

[Michał Kalina]

Each sacrament (apart from ordination) is done by a Presbyter. Ordinations are done by Bishops (at least 3 must participate). Baptism in emergency situations can be done by a lay person, but it must be a Christian. I've also heard that some monks, who weren't ordained, can confess.

[LBK]

Each sacrament (apart from ordination) is done by a Presbyter. Ordinations are done by Bishops (at least 3 must participate). Baptism in emergency situations can be done by a lay person, but it must be a Christian. I've also heard that some monks, who weren't ordained, can confess.

A slight correction to Heorhij's post: Ordination of a priest only requires one bishop, not three. Consecration of a bishop requires three bishops to participate.

Confessor-monks who are not ordained are indeed possible, and exist in reasonable numbers.

[Fr. George]

A slight correction to Heorhij's post:

I'm sure you meant "Mike's post."

[Fr. George]

I've also heard that some monks, who weren't ordained, can confess.

Confessor-monks who are not ordained are indeed possible, and exist in reasonable numbers.

Confess, yes - absolve, no.  IIRC, monks and nuns who have the blessing to hear confession then send the person to a priest (with whom they have an arrangement) for the prayers of forgiveness/absolution.

[genesisone]

Confessor-monks who are not ordained are indeed possible, and exist in reasonable numbers.

I have heard this before, but with the addition that a monk who is not a priest may often hear a confession, as a spiritual father, but only a priest can pray the prayers of absolution, which could be requested later. Is that correct?

moments later: should have waited a minute or two before posting! answer already there!

[Fr. George]

moments later: should have waited a minute or two before posting! answer already there!

It's ok - that sort of thing happens to most of us (questions being answered as we type, and we don't realize it) at one point or another on here.

[LBK]

A slight correction to Heorhij's post:

I'm sure you meant "Mike's post."

Thank you. Not enough coffee ... 

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