The first degree of major orders is the deaconate. In the 
	celebration of the Eucharist, that is the Divine Liturgy, 
	the deacon offers the litanies, and participates in a prayer 
	dialogue with the priest during the most important moments 
	of the Eucharist. He also leads the procession in both the 
	Little and Great Entrances.
	
	
	The one to be ordained as a deacon stands before the icon 
	of Christ with his head covered. In some traditions, the 
	deacon holds the pitcher and basin in which the bishop has 
	washed his hands. After the Lord's Prayer, the one to be 
	ordained is taken by the priest or deacon to the middle of 
	the church before the holy doors. His sponsors lay one hand 
	upon the candidate's neck and bow him as low as possible, 
	saying "Command. Command, Most Reverend Master." Deacons are 
	ordained by the "laying on of hands.