Christ, as the new High Priest, by his crucifixion institutes new bloodless priesthood, and gives complete authority to his disciples to spread it on earth. Following the example of Jesus, the disciples began to choose worthy servants by casting lots, "And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthi′as; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles." (Acts 1:26), praying and laying on of their hands. Thus, by careful selection they ordain deacons, (Acts 6:5-6), presbyters (Acts 14:22-23), Vartabeds/teachers (Acts 13:1-3, I Cor. 12:28), bishops (Phili. 1:1, I Tim. 3:2) and tbirs/acolytes (Tit. 3:13). The Armenian Church preserved and developed this holy tradition of ordination for centuries. .
Those who are called to the sacrament of Ordination are called to dedicate their lives to the service of God, and for the celebration of other sacraments as well. The Armenian Church has several requirements for those who are invoked to these holy orders: 1. The candidate must be from legally married parents. 2. They must not have any genetic defect on their bodies. 3. They will be well versed at the Bible. 4. Their behavior and moral conduct must be exemplary to their own parishioners. .
5. They must have apostolic orthodox faith and stay away from any heretical teachings. .
6. They must be mature and capable of leading their people to salvation. (1 Tim. 3:2-6). .
7. They must abstain from Simonizm (Acts 8:18-19). Considering these conditions for ordination, St. Paul orders Timothy, whom he had ordained, " In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without favor, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor participate in another man's sins; keep yourself pure." (I Tim. 5:21-22). He adds to I Tim. 3:7, " Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, or he may fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
