This article is about the clerical process. For other meanings, see ordination (disambiguation).

Ordination is the process in which clergy become authorized by their religious denomination and/or seminary to perform religious rituals and ceremonies. In the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Oriental Orthodox churches, the term "ordination" is synonymous with "Holy Orders" and ordination is a sacrament that can be adminstered only by a bishop in a line of succession dating back to the Apostles. Those churches hold that ordination to the priesthood

While governed by the laws and procedures of the religious denomination, being ordained is often a requirement specified in state laws to officiate weddings. Other religious ceremonies that typically require ordination to perform include funerals and baptisms.

See also

• Holy Orders
• Ordination of women
• Ordination exams
• Semicha Ordination

Ordination