Ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart and elevated from the laity class to the clergy, who are thus then authorized (usually by the denominational hierarchy composed of other clergy) to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. [1]
In today's churches, ordination generally involves leaders or an institution who grant authority to a church leader. This can include the ordination of a pastor, deacon, or other church leader who is given authority to lead others in various church duties.
According to Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic theology, ordination (holy orders) is a sacrament essential to the church, and it bestows an unrepeatable, indelible character upon the person ordained.