Secular Clergy - Orthodox Church

Orthodox Church

In the Orthodox Church, the term "secular clergy" refers to married priests and deacons, as opposed to monastic clergy (hieromonks and hierodeacons). The secular clergy are sometimes referred to as "white clergy", black being the customary color worn by monks.

Traditionally, parish priests are expected to be secular clergy rather than being monastics, as the support of a wife is considered necessary for a priest living "in the world".

Read more about this topic:  Secular Clergy

Famous quotes containing the words orthodox and/or church:

    All orthodox opinion—that is, today, “revolutionary” opinion either of the pure or the impure variety—is anti-man.
    Wyndham Lewis (1882–1957)

    Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.
    Bible: New Testament, Matthew 18:21,22.