The Subdiaconate is part of the so called, Minor Orders of the clergy and, as the name suggests, are directly below the diaconal order. Subdeacons were traditionally found only cathedrals where they would serve and assist the bishop liturgically. To be a true Subdeacon means that one undergoes an actual ordination and is then bound by the canons and rules regarding the standard clergy. In common practice, however, those alter servers who show excellence in serving and who usually undergo a training program can be “blessed” to act as subdeacons and to wear the crossed orarion over their robes (sticharion).
