'''Minor Orders''' in the [[Orthodox Church]] refers to those set aside for service other than the [[major orders]]. These commonly include [[subdeacon]]s and [[reader]]s, and in some traditions, [[cantor]]s. The minor orders are conferred through the form of [[ordination]] known as ''cheirothesia''.

In the West after 1054 (i.e., in the [[Roman Catholic Church]]), the subdeacon was considered among the [[major orders]] after the 13th century, though has now fallen into disuse, as have the orders of doorkeeper and exorcist (since 1972). Only reader and acolyte remain in use. Altar boys and girls in Roman Catholicism have the name of ''acolyte'', but it is an informal role with no cheirothesia required. Any layman approved by his priest can be used as reader or distribute the [[Eucharist]].