'''Ordination''' is the [[Holy Mysteries|sacrament]] (or Holy Mystery) of [[holy Orders]]. The Greek words used for ordination are '''''cheirotonia''''' and '''''cheirothesia''''', both of which mean "the laying on of hands." Members of the [[major orders]] of the [[clergy]]—[[bishop]], [[priest]], and [[deacon]]—are ordained during the [[Divine Liturgy]] by the bishop, who is usually assisted by several priests. According to Orthodox teaching, the process of ordination begins with the local [[congregation]]; but the bishop alone, who acts in the name of the universal Church, can complete the action. The ordination itself for those entering the major orders takes place within the altar.

Those who are placed into the [[minor orders]] ([[subdeacon]], [[reader]], and in some traditions, [[cantor]]) are done so by '''''cheirothesia''''', which also means "laying on of hands," but has come to be a technically distinct term from '''''cheirotonia''''', which is used only for the major orders. According to the ''DEC'', ''cheirothesia'' is not regarded as part of the Holy Mystery of ordination (p. 117). ''Cheirotonia'' and ''cheirothesia'' formerly were used almost interchangeably, but came to acquire distinct meanings. Bishops are also referred to as being "consecrated" rather than "ordained," but such a distinction was not present in The ordination for those entering the minor orders takes place within the nave of the early Church (''ODCC'', pchurch. 1189)

Subdeacons are ordained either during the Third or Sixth Hour at the bishop's discretion. The [[orarion | orar]] is put on him, crossed back and front, then the bishop lays his hands upon his head and prays the prayer of ordination. The subdeacon then takes part in the washing of the bishop's hands, and remains standing on the solea, before the icon of the Saviour, holding the ewer and basin, until they are again required at the washing of the bishop's hands at the [[cherubic hymn | cherubikon]]. According to the rubrics, the bishop then blesses the water and the newly-ordained subdeacon carries it into the midst of the church, among the people, for them to bless themselves with it. However, this is not customarily followed in many jurisdictions today.

If the candidate is to marry, he must do so before ordination to the subdiaconate as it is canonically forbidden for a man in subdeacon's orders to marry. The canons require all who do so to be deposed. (Apostolic Canon 26, Canons 3 and 6 of the 6th Ecumenical Council). However, in some places, this requirement is relaxedin particular circumstances, at the discretion of the bishop.