The Bishop imposes his hand on
her and prays: “Holy and Omnipotent Lord, through the birth of your Only
Son our God from a Virgin according to the flesh, you have sanctified the
female sex. You grant not only to men, but also to women the grace and coming
(from above) of the Holy Spirit. Please, Lord, look on this your maid servant
and dedicate her to the task of your diaconate, and pour out into her the rich
and abundant giving of your Holy Spirit. Preserve her so that she may always
perform her ministry (leitourgia) with orthodox faith and irreproachable
conduct, according to what is pleasing to you. For to you is due all glory and
honour.”
Bessarion manuscript