ordination

Everyday

1. (church) Ordination is the ceremony in which a person is made a priest, minister, deacon or rabbi, usually by a bishop or other leader. tree →
2. (church) Ordination is also the state of being ordained, of being given the role of a minister. tree →

In the lessons

In church life an ordination service is a big, joyful event; Christians believe the person is called by God to serve, and a bishop lays hands on their head and prays. In news, people sometimes discuss who may be ordained in different churches. Phrases: "ordination service", "the ordination of women", "after his ordination".

Examples

• My cousin's ordination took place in the cathedral. tree →
• At the ordination, the bishop laid his hands on her head and prayed. tree →
• After his ordination he became the vicar of a small village church. tree →
• Families came from far away to see the ordination. tree →
• Some churches allow the ordination of women and some do not. tree →
• The new priest wore white for his ordination. tree →

Note

Verb: ordain ("she was ordained a priest"). Do not confuse with "ordinal", which in maths means a number that shows position (first, second, third), and do not confuse with "ordinary". "Ordinance" is also a different word (a rule or law).