Funeral Procession for the Deceased Deacon
Question
Can every deacon who passes away be carried in a funeral procession inside the church after the prayer over him, since hands were laid upon him?
Answer
It is known that the priest fathers are carried in procession with hymns around the altar which they served and to which they dedicated their lives.
As for deacons, if there is a full deacon, consecrated for service, having no work other than being a deacon, upon whom hands were laid, and who wears the clerical garments, then if his body is carried in procession inside the church, this would be appropriate, considering that he dedicated himself to its service.
But the remaining ranks of the diaconate, from Anagnostis to Epsaltos and Subdeacon, upon these hands are not laid, and they are not devoted full-time to the service of the altar.
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