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)
