Can Deacons Take a Seat Inside the Altar?

As we embrace the Lenten season, we extend our heartfelt wishes for strength and spiritual growth on your journey to the celebrated Feast of Feasts.

During this period, services are notably extended, posing a physical challenge, particularly for those of us whose younger days are a memory. While it's not uncommon to observe priests seated in the altar, especially those advanced in years, the question of whether a deacon can do the same remains less clear. This issue merits exploration for those serving before the Lord's throne.

Deacons, often seasoned from their tenure as acolytes, are accustomed to the standing reverence required in their roles. The presence of service rooms adjacent to the altar offers a brief respite for altar servers, though for clergymen, exiting the altar during service is less than ideal due to potential distractions and the risk of missing critical moments.

Conversely, deacons, typically younger than their priestly counterparts, may view the continuous standing as a form of asceticism, enriching their ministry. The active nature of a deacon's role during services also contributes to a heightened sense of alertness. However, as time marches on, age and health considerations come into play, and the absence of a service room in some altars brings the discussion of sitting within the altar into sharper focus.

Let's delve into the nuances of this topic, examining the balance between tradition, physical capability, and the solemnity of service.

Bishop Kirill (Zinkovsky) of Sergiev Posad provides insight into this matter: "While I cannot speak for all dioceses, a common practice rooted in Church tradition allows bishops and priests certain privileges, notably the permission to sit at specific times during the Divine Liturgy. This privilege, however, does not extend to deacons during these liturgical moments. Priests and bishops, tasked with teaching and ministering, share a role akin to that of the Apostles and are seated while absorbing the Apostles' teachings. Yet, all rise for the Gospel readings."

Canonically, there are explicit guidelines regarding deacons and sitting. Canon 18 of the First Ecumenical Council and Canon 20 of the Council of Laodicea specifically address this: the former prohibits deacons from sitting among presbyters, while the latter states, "It is not fitting for a deacon to sit in the presence of a presbyter, without receiving explicit permission to do so."

Historians and commentators suggest these canons were established to preserve ecclesiastical order and respect for hierarchical structures, responding to instances where deacons, perhaps overly bold, not only seated themselves with presbyters but also assumed positions of higher rank.

Today, it's widely acknowledged that such disciplinary concerns have largely been resolved, with these canons not pertaining to most parts of the divine service (excluding the reading of the Apostle and the paremias) or to times outside the service. The question then arises: beyond personal piety, what guidelines should one consider?

Bishop Anthony (Azizov) of Volgodonsk addresses the nuanced aspect of pastoral culture and internal discipline, acknowledging that, particularly during Lenten services, sitting is permissible within certain liturgical contexts like during kathismas. He emphasizes a guiding principle: in the presence of a bishop in the altar, sitting is contingent upon receiving his blessing. Similarly, in scenarios without a bishop but with a priest and deacon present, the deacon may seek such a blessing, especially in the case of physical ailments. Bishop Anthony cautions against adopting a casual approach to divine service during these moments, advocating for maintaining focus on prayer and observing decorum and the established norms of altar behaviour.

Bishop Kirill (Zinkovsky) of Sergiev Posad further clarifies that the prohibition typically doesn't extend to periods outside liturgical services. He notes that if a deacon is performing tasks within the altar area, such as tending to liturgical vessels for extended periods, sitting is reasonable. He further mentions that exceptions exist, particularly for elder deacons or those experiencing physical discomfort, suggesting that they could be granted permission to sit during service by a bishop or a senior priest.

The consensus among bishops suggests a flexible approach to the issue: during lengthy services or altar duties, it is acceptable for a deacon to sit, provided this time is used contemplatively, focusing on prayer rather than physical discomfort.

This stance reflects a compassionate understanding that physical endurance varies, and that spiritual engagement should not be compromised by physical limitations. Ultimately, the guidance stresses that with mutual understanding between clergy members and adherence to liturgical decorum, the physical and spiritual aspects of service can be harmoniously balanced.

May the Lord grant us the strength to navigate our roles with grace and devotion, guiding us in actions that glorify Him.