As the image of Christ, the priest is to be shown the respect due to his office. It must be stated unequivocally that nothing happens in the parish without his blessing.
The priest is assigned by the Metropolitan Archbishop and represents him in all matters related to the local parish. The priest is responsible to and answerable to the Metropolitan Archbishop and the Diocesan Bishop, no one else.
The clergy (protos, associate priests, and deacons) follow strict guidelines in order to preserve the unity of the faith in the bond of peace, so as to maintain the good order of the Church. The guidelines also apply to anyone tonsured into a minor order. Here are a few examples:
- The Protos presides at all services, unless he designates otherwise.
- The Protos is the confessor of the parish community, unless he gives a blessing otherwise.
- Clergy from another jurisdiction must contact their Diocesan Hierarch to obtain a letter of good canonical standing, which must be sent to the Hierarch presiding over our Diocese.
- Our Hierarch grants the blessing to attend. He will communicate with the Protos.
- Visiting clergy serve at the good pleasure of the Protos.
- Contact the Protos before you; inform him of the visit and ask his blessing.
- Anyone tonsured into a lower order of the church must contact the Protos directly before visiting and ask for his blessing to attend. This is a strict requirement. There are no exceptions.