Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cleric who ordains; a cleric who admits someone to holy orders: An "ordainer" is a member of the clergy who has the authority to perform the rite of ordination, formally conferring holy orders upon a candidate, such as a deacon, priest, or bishop.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The bishop, as the principal ordainer, laid his hands on the new priests.
  • In many Christian traditions, only a bishop can serve as the ordainer for the priesthood.

Advanced Usage

• Theological Context: The term is used specifically within ecclesiastical and theological discussions concerning the sacrament of Holy Orders and apostolic succession.
  • The validity of the sacrament depends on the intention and authority of the ordainer.

Variants and Related Words

• Ordain (verb): To confer holy orders upon someone; to decree or order something authoritatively.
  • The bishop will ordain three new deacons next Sunday.
• Ordination (noun): The ceremony or process of being ordained.
  • Her ordination to the priesthood was a joyful event.
• Holy Orders (noun phrase): The sacrament or rite of entering the Christian ministry.

Synonyms

• Consecrator: One who performs a rite of consecration, often used similarly in the context of ordaining bishops.
• Hierarch: A religious leader in a position of authority, which may include the power to ordain.

Related Phrases

• To perform an ordination: The act carried out by an ordainer.
  • The archbishop traveled to the diocese to perform an ordination.

Noun

1. a cleric who ordains; a cleric who admits someone to holy orders