In the Orthodox Church at large, there are a vast number of awards and orders that can be given to clergy and many of these have evolved throughout the ages. Each country, jurisdiction, and/or region will oftentimes have its own awards and merit systems. In the Orthodox Church in America, however, our Holy Synod has distilled these awards into a rather fixed and finite number. Listed below are the priestly awards and the corresponding times at which they are generally given:
- Nabedrennik – 2 to 3 years (Diocesan Award)
- Purple Skufia – 3 to 4 years (Diocesan Award)
- Kamilavka – 6 years (Diocesan Award)
- Gold Cross – 10 years (Synodal Award)
- Elevation to Archpriest – 15 years (Synodal Award)
- Palitsa – 20 years (Synodal Award)
- Jeweled Cross – 25 years (Synodal Award)
The rank of Protopresbyter is awarded to those clergy who, as the title suggests, show themselves to be “first among priests” by their service and stature. The Proto-presbyterate is a Synodal award most often reserved for Theologians, Professors, and those who hold special offices such as Chancellor to the national Church, etc. Those who receive this honor are normally allowed to wear a Miter or “crown,” but this has fallen into disuse in America. Fr. Vladimir Prislopsky (of blessed memory) was awarded such an honor for his faithful years of service to this parish, his longtime standing as dean of this deanery, and his role in organizing the FROC/FOCA.
Many Orthodox countries have additional awards and honors such as the Russian Church’s Order of St. George and Order of St. Anne. In the OCA we have the Order of St. Innocent which is divided into three degrees or “classes:” Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These types of awards are unique in that they can be conferred upon both the clergy and laity.
