The Form and Manner of
Ordering of Deacons.

It is evident unto all men, diligently reading holy scripture, and ancient authors, that from the Apostles time, there hath been these orders of Ministers in Christ's church, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, which Offices were evermore had in such reverent estimation, that no man by his own private authority, might presume to execute any of them, except he were first called, tried, examined, and known, to have such qualities, as were requisite for the same. And also by public prayer, with imposition of hands, approved, and admitted thereunto. And therefore to the intent these orders should be continued, and reverently used, and esteemed in this Church of England, it is requisite, that no man (not being at this present Bishop, Priest, nor Deacon) shall execute any of them, except he be called, tried, examined, and admitted, according to the form hereafter following. And none shall be admitted a Deacon, except he be xxi years of age at the least. And every man, which is to be admitted a Priest, shall be full xxiiii years old. And every man, which is to be consecrated a Bishop, shall be fully thirty years of age. And the Bishop knowing, either by himself, or by sufficient testimony, any person to be a man of virtuous conversation, and without crime, and after examination and trial, finding him learned in the Latin tongue, and sufficiently instructed in holy Scripture, may upon a Sunday or Holyday, in the face of the church, admit him a Deacon in such manner and form, as hereafter followeth.

First, when the day appointed by the Bishop is come, there shall be an exhortation, declaring the duty and office, of such as come to be admitted Ministers, how necessary such Orders are in the Church of Christ, and also how the people ought to esteem them in their vocation.

After the exhortation ended, the Archdeacon, or his deputy, shall present such as come the Bishop to be admitted, saying these words.

Reverend Father in God, I present unto you, these persons present, to be admitted Deacons.
The Bishop. Take heed that the persons whom ye present unto us, be apt and meet, for their learning and godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly, to the honour of God, and edifying of his Church.

The Archdeacon shall answer.

I have enquired of them, and also examined them, and think them so to be.

And then the Bishop shall say unto the people.

Brethren, if there be any of you, who knoweth any impediment, or notable crime, in any of these persons presented to be ordered Deacons, for the which he ought not to be admitted to the same, let him come forth in the name of God, and shew what the crime, or impediment is.

And if any great crime, or impediment be objected, the Bishop shall surcease, from ordering that person, until such time as the party accused, shall try himself clear of that crime.

Then the Bishop, commending such as shall be found meet to be ordered to the prayers of the congregation, with the Clerks, and people present, shall say or sing the Litany as followeth with the prayers.

The Litany and Suffrages.

O God the Father of heaven: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Father of heaven: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons and one God: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, three persons and one God: have mercy upon us miserable sinners.

Remember not, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers, neither take thou vengeance of our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.

From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil, from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation.
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart, from pride, vain glory, and hypocrisy, from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness.
Good Lord, deliver us.
From fornication, and all other deadly sin, and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Good Lord, deliver us.
From lightnings and tempests, from plague, pestilence, and famine, from battle and murder, and from sudden death.
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all sedition and privy conspiracy, from all false doctrine and heresy, from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word and commandment:
Good Lord, deliver us.
By the mystery of thy holy incarnation, by thy holy nativity and circumcision, by thy baptism, fasting, and temptation:
Good Lord, deliver us.
By thine agony and bloody sweat, by thy cross, and passion, by thy precious death and burial, by thy glorious resurrection and ascension, and by the coming of the Holy Ghost:
Good Lord, deliver us.
In all time of our tribulation, in all time of our wealth, in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment:
Good Lord, deliver us.

We sinners do beseech thee to hear us (O Lord God), and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universally, in the right way.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to keep and strengthen in the true worshipping of thee in righteousness, and holiness of life, thy servant EDWARD the Sixth, our most gracious King and governor.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to rule his heart in thy faith, fear, and love, that he may always have affiance in thee, and ever seek thy honour and glory.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to be his defender and keeper, giving him the victory over all his enemies.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to illuminate all Bishops, Pastors, and Ministers of the Church, with true knowledge, and understanding of thy word, and that both by their preaching and living, they may set it forth and show it accordingly.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to bless these men, and send thy grace upon them, that they may duly execute the office now to be committed unto them, to the edifying of thy Church, and to thy honour, praise, and glory.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to endue the Lords of the Council and all the nobility with grace, wisdom, and understanding.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to bless and keep the Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to bless and keep all thy people.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to give to all nations, unity, peace, and concord.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us a heart, to love and dread thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give all thy people increase of grace, to hear meekly thy word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to bring into the way of truth, all such as have erred, and are deceived.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to strengthen such as do stand, and to comfort and help the weak-hearted, and to raise them up that fall, and finally to beat down Satan under our feet.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to succour, help, and comfort all that be in danger, necessity, and tribulation.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to preserve all that travail by land, or by water, all women labouring of child, all sick persons and young children, and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to defend and provide for the fatherless children and widows, and all that be desolate and oppressed.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to have mercy upon all men.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee, to give and preserve to our use, the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time we may enjoy them.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us true repentance, to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances, and to endue us with the grace of thy holy spirit, to amend our lives according to thy holy word.
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God: we beseech thee to hear us.
Son of God: we beseech thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
Grant us thy peace.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world.
Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, hear us.

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

Our Father which art in heaven, etc.
And lead us not into temptation.
But deliver us from evil.

The Versicle. O Lord deal not with us after our sins.
The Answer. Neither reward us after our iniquities.
Let us pray.
O God merciful Father, that despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as be sorrowful, mercifully assist our prayers that we make before thee, in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us: and graciously hear us, that those evils, which the craft and subtlety of the devil, or man worketh against us, be brought to naught, and by the providence of thy goodness, they may be dispersed, that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee, in thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

O Lord arise, help us, and deliver us, for thy name's sake.
O God, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works, that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.
O Lord arise, help us, and deliver us, for thine honour.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
From our enemies defend us, O Christ.
Graciously look upon our afflictions.
Pitifully behold the sorrow of our heart.
Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.
Favourably with mercy hear our prayers.
O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
Graciously hear us, O Christ, Graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.

The Versicle. O Lord let thy mercy be showed upon us.
The Answer. As we do put our trust in thee.
Let us pray.
We humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities, and for the glory of thy name's sake, turn from us all those evils, that we most righteously have deserved: And grant that in all our troubles, we may put our whole trust, and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee, in holiness and pureness of living, to thy honour and glory, through our only mediator and advocate Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, which hast given us grace at this time with one accord, to make our common supplications unto thee, and dost promise that when two, or three be gathered in thy name, thou wilt grant their requests, fulfill now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them, granting us in this world, knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.

Then shall be said also this that followeth.

Almighty God, which by thy divine providence, hast appointed diverse Orders of ministers in the Church: and didst inspire thine holy Apostles to choose unto this Order of Deacons, the first Martyr Saint Stephen, with others: mercifully behold these thy servants, now called to the like office and administration; replenish them so with the truth of thy doctrine, and innocency of life, that, both by word and good example, they may faithfully serve thee in this office, to the glory of thy name, and profit of the congregation, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

Then shall be sung or said, the Communion of the day, saving the Epistle shall be read out of Timothy, as followeth.

Likewise must the ministers be honest, not double-tongued, not given unto much wine, neither greedy of filthy lucre, but holding the mystery of the faith, with a pure conscience. And let them first be proved, and then let them minister, so that no man be able to reprove them. Even so must their wives be honest, not evil speakers, but sober and faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, and such as rule their children well, and their own households. For they that minister well, get themselves a good degree, and a great liberty in the faith, which is in Christ Jesus.
These things write I unto thee trusting to come shortly unto thee; but and if I tarry long, that then thou mayst yet have knowledge, how thou oughtest to behave thyself, in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And without doubt, great is that mystery of godliness. God was shewed in the flesh, was justified in the spirit, was seen among the angels, was preached unto the Gentiles, was believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

Or else this out of the sixth of the Acts.

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together, and said: it is not meet that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you, seven men of honest report and full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, to whom we may commit this business: but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the administration of the word. And that saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith, and full of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas a convert of Antioch. These they set before the Apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests were obedient unto the faith.

The Oath of the King's Sovereignty.

And before the Gospel, the Bishop, sitting in a chair, shall cause the Oath of the King's Sovereignty, and against the power and authority of all foreign pontiffs, to be ministered unto every one of them that are to be ordained.

I A. B. do utterly testify and declare in my conscience that the King's Highness is the only supreme Governor of this Realm and of all other His Highness’s dominions and countries, as well in all spiritual or ecclesiastical things or causes as temporal, and that no foreign prince, person, prelate, state, or potentate, hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power, superiority, pre-eminence, or authority ecclesiastical or spiritual within this realm, and therefore I do utterly renounce and forsake all foreign jurisdictions, powers, superiorities, and authorities, and do promise that from henceforth I shall bear faith and true allegiance to the King's Highness, His heirs and lawful successors, and to my power shall assist and defend all jurisdictions, privileges, pre-eminences, and authorities granted or belonging to the King's Highness, His heirs and successors, or united and annexed to the imperial Crown of this realm, so help me God, and the contents of this book.

Then shall the Bishop examine every one of them that are to be ordered, in the presence of the people, after this manner following.

Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the holy Ghost, to take upon you this office and ministration, to serve God, for the promoting of his glory, and the edifying of his people?
Answer. I trust so.
The Bishop. Do ye think, that ye truly be called according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the due order of this realm to the ministry of the Church?
Answer. I think so.
The Bishop. Do ye unfaintedly believe all the Canonical scriptures, of the old and new Testament?
Answer. I do believe.
The Bishop. Will you diligently read the same unto the people assembled in the Church, where you shall be appointed to serve?
Answer. I will.
The Bishop. It pertaineth to the office of a Deacon in the Church where he shall be appointed to assist the Priest in divine service, and specially when he ministereth the holy Communion, and to help him in distribution thereof, and to read holy scriptures and Homilies in the congregation, and to instruct the youth in the Catechism, to baptize and to preach if he be commanded by the Bishop. And furthermore, it is his office where provision is so made to search for the sick, poor, and impotent people of the parish, and to intimate their estates, names, and places where they dwell to the Curate, that by his exhortation they may be relieved by the parish or other convenient alms: will you do this gladly and willingly?
Answer. I will so do by the help of God.
The Bishop. Will you apply all your diligence to frame and fashion your own lives, and the lives of all your family according to the doctrine of Christ, and to make both yourselves and them as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the flock of Christ?
Answer. I will so do, the Lord being my helper.
The Bishop. Will you reverently obey your ordinary and other chief Ministers of the Church, and them to whom the government and charge is committed over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions?
Answer. I will thus endeavor myself, the Lord being my helper.

Then the Bishop laying his hands severally upon the head of every one of them, shall say.

Take thou authority to execute the office of a Deacon in the Church of God committed unto thee: in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the New Testament, saying.

Take thou authority to read the Gospel in the Church of God, and to preach the same, if thou be thereunto ordinarily commanded.

Then one of them appointed by the Bishop, shall read the Gospel of that day.

Then shall the Bishop proceed to the Communion, and all that be ordered, shall tarry and receive the holy Communion the same day with the Bishop.

The Communion ended, after the last Collect and immediately before the benediction, shall be said this Collect following.

Almighty God, giver of all good things, which of thy great goodness hast vouchsafed to accept and take these thy servants unto the office of Deacons in thy church: make them we beseech thee, O Lord, to be modest, humble, and constant in their ministration, to have a ready will to observe all spiritual discipline, that they having always the testimony of a good conscience, and continuing ever stable and strong in thy Son Christ, may so well use themselves in this inferior office, that they may be found worthy to be called unto the higher ministries in thy Church: through the same thy Son our Saviour Christ, to whom be glory and honour, world without end. Amen.

And here it must be showed unto the Deacon that he must continue in that office of a Deacon, the space of a whole year at the least (except for reasonable causes, it be otherwise seen to his ordinary) to the intent he may be perfect, and well expert in the things appertaining to the Ecclesiastical administration, in executing whereof, if he be found faithful and diligent, he may be admitted by his Diocesan to the order of Priesthood.

📕 The Scriptural BCP