Certification or Licensing
There is no certification or licensing for Eastern Orthodox priests. Those who work as chaplains in hospitals, hospices, and the military can become certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains. Those who receive certification are certified as board certified chaplains or associate certified chaplains. In some jurisdictions, a priest may need to register in order to be eligible to perform marriages. Registration typically involves paying a small fee and demonstrating membership in the clergy of one’s faith.
Other Requirements
The minimum age for ordination is 30, but a bishop may choose to ordain someone who is somewhat younger. Only men may enter the Eastern Orthodox priesthood. Priests are allowed to be married if they took their matrimonial vows before being ordained as a priest. If a married priest’s wife dies, he may not get remarried. Priests do not cut their beards in accordance with Biblical guidelines.