THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
The unity of the priestly lineage is created for everyone and on behalf of all as an offering to God, illustrated by the laying on of hands by the children of Israel. It is written, ‘Let the children of Israel lay their hands on the Levites.’ Just as the Levites placed their hands on the heads of the sacrificial animals, offered as a foreshadowing of Christ (not to confer a blessing, but to signify through the laying on of hands the acknowledgment of God, who carries our transgressions, and acts righteously for us, nailing to His cross ‘the handwritten document that stands against us’ (Col. 2:14): thus, you should also comprehend the laying on of hands by the people upon the Levites, as they presented them before God for the priesthood, as chosen by Him.
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This act of laying on of hands was practiced then; however, now that circumstances have improved, the faithful affirm those chosen by Christ for the priestly ministry, clearly voicing their support with ‘Worthy!’. This practice occurs in the churches, mirroring how the ancients similarly laid hands on the Levites in the sacred and divine tabernacle. Therefore, it is clear that if ordination takes place outside the church or without the congregation’s presence, it contradicts the will of God and is inconsistent with sacred principles.