_He that is to be appointed abbot is conducted by a protodeacon, or by
two deacons, to the Archpriest in the middle of the church, where the
Archpriest standeth at the time of the introit with the gospel, if the
Archpriest himself be celebrating the liturgy. But if not, they bring
to the Archpriest the epitrachelion, the maniples, and the omophorion,
and he vesteth himself, standing in his place. And he that is to be
appointed abbot is conducted to his place, and inclineth himself to
his girdle before the Archpriest thrice, and boweth his head. And the
Archpriest, sitting, signeth him with the hand upon his head thrice. And,
rising, he layeth his hand upon his head, and the protodeacon having
said_, Let us pray to the Lord,
_the Archpriest saith this prayer._
O God, who ever makest provision for the salvation of men, and gatherest
together in one this thy rational flock; do thou, O Master of all things,
in thy measureless love to man, thyself preserve this same blameless,
keeping thy commandments continually, so that not one sheep thereof may
be lost, and be devoured by the wolf. And declare this thy servant,
whom thou art pleased to appoint abbot over it, worthy of thy grace,
and adorn him with all virtues, that he, by his works, may be a good
example to them that are under him, that they, being emulators of his
blameless conversation, may stand with him uncondemned before thy fearful
judgment-seat.
_Exclamation._ For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to
ages of ages. _Singers._ Amen.
_Archpriest._ Peace to all.
_Singers._ And to thy spirit. _Protodeacon._ Bow your heads to the Lord.
_Singers._ To thee, O Lord.
_The Archpriest prayeth secretly._
Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hearken unto our prayer, and declare this
thy servant to be abbot of this honourable habitation, a faithful and
wise administrator over the rational flock committed to him by thy grace,
he doing thy will in all things, and becoming worthy of thy heavenly
kingdom.
_Exclamation._
Through the grace, and compassions, and love to man of thine
only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine
all-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to ages
of ages. Amen.
_And the protodeacon saith with a loud voice_, Bid, master.
_And the Archpriest saith with a loud voice,_
The grace of the all-holy Spirit, through our mediocrity, appointeth thee
abbot of the honourable habitation of our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, _name, whatever title of him the temple may be, or_, of our most
holy God-bearing Lady, _whatever title of her the temple may be, or_, of
Saint, _name, to whom may be dedicated the temple_.
_Then, laying his hand upon his head, the Archpriest exclaimeth_, Axios,
_thrice. And the singers sing_, Axios, _thrice._
_After this he that hath been appointed abbot
kisseth the Archpriest’s omophorion on the right
and left shoulder; and, being conducted, he rangeth
himself with the other abbots according to rite; and
they go into the altar through the royal
doors, and he acteth with the
ministers according
to rite._