takes holy orders
Joins the priesthood
Takes holy orders means to be ordained as a member of the clergy, formally entering religious service as a priest, minister, or monk.
The phrase is most associated with Catholic and Anglican traditions, where holy orders is one of the sacraments: After years of study, he finally took holy orders.
The expression can also appear humorously for any serious commitment.
- deaconJunior clergy member
- laying on of handsRitual healing through touch
- ordinationClergy appointment ceremony
- priestOne who performs sacraments
- parish priestLocal church leader
vows · consecration · bishop · obedience · anointing · vestments · Roman collar · pastor · seminary · liturgy · prayer life · minister · blessing · chaplain · nun · monk · pope · religious life