Priesthood of the Catholic, Orthodox, and Latter Day Saint Traditions
The traditions found within the Catholic and Orthodox Churches are ones that stretch back close to two thousand years. During this time the respective Churches became a reflection of the culture in which they found themselves. As such, the priesthood offices found in these Churches are reflective of not only the Church found during the time of the Apostles but are also reflective of the service that was rendered to God in these respective communities over the centuries.
Priest & Priestess and their Duties
Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” -Avahr 21:3-5
In the Church of Jesus Christ anyone may be called to the ministry from any walk of life. This brief overview has been created to help those seeking to know God’s will for them, in their ministries, as Priests.
Teachers, Rabbis and their Duties
The Teacher, known in Hebrew as a Rabbi, are men and women that have been called and set apart to watch over the Church, and ensure the Church meets often.
Deacons and their Duties
If ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work: for behold, the field is white already to harvest, and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perish not, but bringeth salvation to his soul; and faith, hope, charity, and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualifies him for the work.” -Avahr 13:5-7
In the Church of Jesus Christ anyone may be called to the ministry from any walk of life. This brief overview has been created to help those seeking to know God’s will for them, in their ministries, as Deacons.
The Endowment of the Deacon
“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” -1 Timothy 1:12
On May 4, 1842 Joseph Smith Jr. introduced on the second floor of his Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois what some call the Nauvoo Endowment to nine Brethren: James Adams, Patriarch Hyrum Smith, Bishops Newel K. Whitney and George Miller, and Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards.
Ordinances of the Saints 2022
“And Christ hath said: ‘If ye will have faith in me, ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” –Moroni 7:35 RAV, 7:33 OPV
This second edition of Ordinances of the Saints is a quick reference guide to Priesthood ordinances for the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship. This should not be seen as Law, or set in stone. It is a guide for those that are new or need reminding on various ordinances. It is also to help perspective brothers and sisters wishing to enter the ministry. In addition, appendixes have been included with more information on various priesthood topics.
Revelation to the Levites
The following revelation was given to the Levites, and all those called to serve the Lord as Levites, though David in Ohio on August 13, 2019. This revelation was voted on and sustained as canon for use in the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship by the Assembly of Saints April 6, 2020.
Growing in Grace
“Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” -2 Peter 3:18a
You’ve learned that there is a God. You’ve come to God with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. You’ve moved through the steps of teshuvah, repented and have been restored. You’re looking for a denomination to be baptized into, or have been baptized, and you’re looking to have the physical manifestation (laying on of hands) to receive the Holy Ghost (baptism by fire). What’s next?
Wearing the Robes of the Priesthood
“And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. And he put upon him the coat and girded him with the girdle and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound it unto him therewith.” -Leviticus 8:6-7 KJV
When performing ordinances that require the use of the priesthood, the Lord has asked that ordained men and women of the Fellowship wear the Robes of the Priesthood. They are known within the Fellowship as Tzniut, Hebrew for privacy, sometimes translated as “modesty” in the scriptures. Tzniut are not mandatory as this is a nondenominational movement. The revelation asking us to do was sustained by the body of the Fellowship April 6, 2019. For those that accept the revelations, the Lord has explained that the Robes of the Priesthood signify the authority held by those using their priesthood keys; that they have been endowed. Those that have been through a Latter Day Saint/Mormon temple’s endowment session, regardless of denomination, will likely recognize variations of the attire.
Fire: Athame
“Behold I am God, give heed unto my Word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore, give heed unto my Word.” -Avahr 24:20-21
Water: Communion Cup/Chalice
“This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” -1 Corinthians 11:25 KJV
Air: Rod of Aaron
“The rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.” -Numbers 17:8b KJV