Consecrated Men and Women in the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
Statutes for Consecrated Men and Women in the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles
From its earliest days, the Church has recognized a special commitment by men and women in different stages of life, who decide to dedicate their lives in a special way to prayer and service. Within the Syriac tradition, the Sons and Daughters of the Covenant provided a witness to the vocation to holiness, the fullness of life to which Christ calls us all. They were not hermits, but rather lived at the heart of their communities, offering a daily witness to the grace won through the Resurrection. The Church, again, needs such witnesses and the Holy Spirit has stirred in the hearts of men and women in our Eparchy the desire to live this kind of witness. Therefore, having discerned that this desire is a genuine gift to our Eparchy, and in order to provide the necessary structure to encourage and promote this vocation of special witness within our communities, I hereby establish the following statutes:
1. This form of consecration is open to both women and men who are registered single members of the parishes of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles who are in good standing.
2. In order to petition for consecration, one must present a baptismal certificate and a letter of support from his or her pastor.
3. If a candidate is accepted, the rite of consecration will be administered by the Bishop or his delegate. The period of consecration will be chosen by the candidate, and confirmed by the Bishop, as being of one, two or three years. Consecration can be renewed an indeterminate number of times, with the approval of the Bishop.
4. This rite of consecration is a public recognition of the private promises made by the candidate to fulfill the following obligations:
a. Daily prayer, especially the Prayer of the Faithful
b. Fidelity to chaste living in accord with the teachings of the Church
c. Sacramental confession at least once a month
d. Regular attendance at the Divine Liturgy
e. Acts of service and charity within the community
f. Acts of penance
5. Consecrated men and women are to work with their local pastor to determine the best means of service they can provide to the community.
6. Consecrated men and women should dress appropriately, given their role of witness within the Church. Their clothing should be sober and simple, avoiding any signs of excess.