The word “acolyte” comes from the Greek word “akolouthos” which means “follower” or “companion”. In the Christian context, an acolyte is someone who assists a member of the clergy during a church service or other religious ceremony. Here is a more detailed look at what the Bible teaches about acolytes and their role in the church:
Origin and History of Acolytes
The role of acolytes dates back to the early Christian church. In the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, acolytes assisted bishops and priests by helping to conduct worship services, taking care of the church building, and serving the congregation. Some of their duties included lighting oil lamps, bringing wine and water for Holy Communion, and accompanying clergy during visits to homes and prisons.
The term “acolyte” comes from the Latin “acolythus” which was derived from the Greek word mentioned earlier. In the Eastern Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions, acolytes formally assist the priest in the liturgy and other worship services. They are often responsible for tasks such as lighting and extinguishing candles, carrying the cross, holding liturgical books, and fetching items needed for worship.
In the Roman Catholic church, the office of acolyte is one of the minor orders – formal ministries of the church open to laymen. After the reforms of Vatican II in the 1960s, the minor orders were replaced by ministries that laypeople could fulfill without having to be ordained. However, in some Catholic churches today, male acolytes can still receive the formal institution of acolyte.
Biblical Examples
Although the English word “acolyte” does not appear in most English Bible translations, there are several examples in Scripture of people who served religious leaders in ways similar to acolytes:
- In Exodus 24:13, Joshua accompanies Moses as his aide or assistant as Moses goes up on Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from God.
- In 1 Samuel 3, Samuel assists Eli the priest at the tabernacle at Shiloh by opening its doors, sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant, and responding to Eli’s call.
- In 2 Kings 4:12, the Shunammite woman describes her husband as an attendant or helper to the prophet Elisha.
- In the New Testament, Mark 14:13 describes two of Jesus’ disciples being sent ahead of him into Jerusalem to prepare for the Passover meal.
While these biblical figures are not directly referred to as acolytes, they performed similar supportive roles of service alongside religious leaders. Their examples provide a model for the function of acolytes in the early and modern church.
Duties and Responsibilities
The specific duties of acolytes can vary depending on the church, denomination, or religion they are serving in. However, some typical responsibilities of acolytes include:
- Lighting and extinguishing candles – This may include altar candles, the Paschal candle, Advent wreath candles, etc.
- Assisting with the preparation of Communion – Holding the paten, chalice, or ciborium; bringing the hosts and wine to the altar.
- Marching in processions – Carrying torches, crosses, banners, or incense burners.
- Holding liturgical books – Carrying the Gospel book in processions and at the altar when it is being read.
- Ringing the church bells or sanctus bells during services.
- Assisting with the liturgical vessels – Keeping the cruets, lavabo bowl, and ewer filled with water and wine.
- Performing general tasks – Setting up microphones, tidying the chancel, arranging bulletins, etc.
Acolytes may also accompany the priest as cross or candle bearers in processions and rituals. They help make sure all the items needed for worship are in place and assist the clergy in maintaining order and reverence during services.
Vestments and Attire
In many traditions, acolytes wear vestments that reflect their duties and role in services:
- Cassock – A long, black robe worn under other vestments.
- Surplice – A white outer vestment with wide sleeves worn over the cassock.
- Cincture – A long cord used to gather and tie the cassock at the waist.
- Rochet – A white vestment similar to a surplice worn by acolytes in Anglican churches.
- Tunicle – A loose-fitting garment featuring wide sleeves that is worn over the cassock and under the surplice.
- Alb – A simple, white vestment that falls to the ankles, secured at the waist by a cincture.
Vestments help the acolytes stand out from the congregation and reinforce the sacred nature of their duties. Different colors may also be worn at specific times in the church calendar or liturgical season.
Training and Ordination
To become an acolyte, laypeople typically go through a period of training to learn the proper procedures and postures expected of the role. Training may cover:
- How to properly light candles and extinguish them after use.
- The order of processions and where to stand during liturgical services.
- How to efficiently carry and display liturgical books.
- Understanding the church calendar and liturgical seasons.
- Sacristy procedures for preparing the bread, wine, vessels, etc.
- Reverent liturgical postures and gestures.
In some traditions, acolytes are formally admitted to their ministry through a rite of institution. This may or may not involve ordination, depending on the particular church. Their term of service is usually 1-3 years before new acolytes are commissioned.
Symbolic Significance
Beyond their practical duties, acolytes carry important symbolic meaning in Christian worship:
- Service – They model servitude and humility in assisting the clergy, reminding the congregation that all are called to serve.
- Piety – Their reverent actions reflect the holy fear of God and set a tone of devotion for worship.
- Purification – The lighting of candles represents Christ, the Light of the World, dispelling darkness and purifying hearts and minds.
- Calling – Their ministry can be a discernment opportunity for those considering ordained office or religious life.
Overall, acolytes help facilitate a powerful worship experience through their disciplined assistance in service to God and the church.
Conclusion
Acolytes play an important role in many Christian denominations, even though the term itself does not appear in the Bible. They assist clergy in conducting worship services and other religious ceremonies through duties such as lighting candles, carrying processional items, preparing sacramental elements, and performing other supportive tasks. While the details vary between traditions, their ministry represents deeper spiritual truths about service, reverence, calling, and the light of Christ illuminating our worship.