Sunday, March 24, 2024

Panteleimon P. Lampadarios on the Development of the Episcopacy After the Apostles

  

At the time of the Holy Apostles, only two ranks were distinguished, that of Presbyters and Deacons. But when the Holy Apostles passed away, the rank of Bishop was established into the Church. Thus, St. Joh the Apostle, Evangelist Rev. 2:1-3:22 Theologian, addressed letters to the Angel-bishops of the seven churches in Asia Minor, (1028) and his disciples, St. Ignatius of Antioch and St. Polycarp of Smyrna, were Ordained Bishops by the Holy Apostle both mentioning the three ranks of Priesthood in their writings. (Panteleimon P. Lampadarios, The Holy Sacraments of the Eastern Orthodox Church [London: Akakia, 2022], 188)