The Archdiocese of New York offers a full range of vocations to those who feel inspired to follow God's calling in their life. Given the size of the Archdiocese, combined with the relatively new concept of using the pre-schism Western Rites from before the 11th Century in Holy Orthodoxy, everyone is expected to perform more outreach/missionary work than usual. Also, these people will have to be able to provide for their own financial and physical well-being.

The Archdiocese will provide you with the resources necessary for your spiritual and theological growth. The Archdiocese is part of the Former Exarchate of Alexandria (FEA), which is paternally descended from the Patriarchate of Alexandria. The FEA has chosen not to join with the organization known as the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops in America (SCOBA) in order to better preserve the Orthodox Faith and protect it from many administrative and political issues SCOBA has.

There are a couple ways to become part of the clergy of this Archdiocese. The first is through incardination (transfer), and the second is through direct application. The application process for both ways will require similar steps, but there are some different things you should expect depending on how you wish to join the Archdiocese.

Clergy and Religious Vocations: Remember a Vocation is a way of life.

1. Monastics - Men (Monks) and Women (Nuns) are considered a critical part of the Archdiocese. Like the Monks of Mount Athos are viewed as critical to the spiritual welfare of Orthodoxy in general, so too are the monastic men and women of the Archdiocese. This is not an easy lifestyle, and should only be considered by those men and women who choose to live a profoundly prayerful, moral, and celibate lifestyle.
 
2. Parish Priests - Men who are already part of an existing Parish, and wish to have their entire Parish transfer into the Archdiocese.
 
3. Missionary Priests - Men who are ready to work towards establishing an Orthodox Parish with only a few people, or even no people at all.
 
4. Deacons - Men who are preparing for a lifetime of service in this vocation or as a step to the Priesthood as a Missionary Priest, or who are transferring into the Archdiocese along with a Parish Priest and his Parish.

Note: In accordance with Holy Tradition, only men may fill the positions of a Priest or Deacon. People living an immoral lifestyle are not allowed to be ordained to any clergy order. This includes, but is not limited to, the practice of homosexuality. While nobody is perfect, our clergy are expected to have a deep spiritual life which includes saying the Daily Office, living cleanly, and being beyond reproach as stated in Holy Scripture. Only those sincerely interested need apply.

Educational Requirements:

1. The normative standard of education for clergy is a baccalaureate degree and a Masters of Divinity.
 
2. Men who do not have these standards yet have equivalent life experience may be admitted on a case by case basis. The archdiocese will many times create a course of study while they advance in Holy Orders.
 
3. All clergy must take the canonical examinations in the areas of Scripture, Liturgy, Patristics, Pastoral Practice, Church History, Canon Law, and Parish Administration.
 
4. The Archbishop, alone, may amend or adjust the educational requirements depending on the candidate.
 
5. The Archdiocese will arrange for the transfer of credits and the eventual securing of a M. Div. from Holy Resurrection Orthodox Seminary.

Spiritual Requirements:

1. To be considered, a candidate must hold the Orthodox Christian Faith.
 
2. He must have an active relationship with a spiritual father (if not one will be assigned to him).
 
3. He must have a deep prayer life.
 
4. If married, he must have the written permission and encouragement of his wife for the time which is necessary to spend in his vocation.

Incardination:

1. Contact Archbishop Anthony, in person or by email, phone, or letter. The contact information is available by clicking here.
 
2. If transferring from a valid Orthodox jurisdiction, you will need a letter of release or explanation of special circumstances. Expect that a letter of release is required without a profoundly special circumstance.
 
3. If transferring from a non-Orthodox jurisdiction, you can expect to be required to be ordained with Orthodox orders in accordance with Holy Tradition. While the life experience of non-Orthodox clergy has its merits, your orders, though not judged, are not recognized as valid for use in the Orthodox Church.
 
4. All paperwork must be submitted to the Archbishop, and the decision rests with him and the other Bishops of the FEA.

Application for Holy Orders:

1. Contact Archbishop Anthony, in person or by email, phone, or letter. The contact information is available by clicking here.
 
2. From here, it depends on each person and what role they will have in the Archdiocese. Some will require more or less education and/or training than others. All are required to have a solid grasp of the Orthodox Faith and History to the degree that they will need to teach it to others.

The Process:

1. Write a formal letter to His Eminence stating your reasons for desiring Holy Orders.
 
2. The Archdiocese will send you the application.
 
3. Submit the application with all required supporting documentation.
 
4. Full criminal background checks are required with no exceptions.
 
5. If accepted, the Archbishop will decide your individual procedure.

Note: The Archdiocese offers no salary or material benefits for any of these positions. Everyone is expected to be self-supporting through secular means. As one builds a Parish, it is expected the congregation will offset pastoral expenses. Parish Property in our Archdiocese are owned by the congregation. The financial status of any individual, or Parish, is not considered in order to be a Priest or Parish in the Archdiocese. However, spiritual commitment, which is essential, must be considered.