Concerning the Service
of the Church 

The Holy Eucharist, the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord's
Day and other major Feasts, and Daily Morning and Evening Prayer, as
set forth in this Book, are the regular services appointed for public
worship in the Church. 

In addition to these services and the other rites contained in this 
Book, other forms set forth by authority within this Church may be used.  
Also, subject to the direction of the bishop, special devotions taken 
from this Book, or from Holy Scripture, may be used when the needs of 
the  congregation so require. 

For special days of thanksgiving, appointed by civil or Church 
authority, and for other special occasions for which no service or 
prayer has been provided in this Book, the bishop may set forth such 
forms as are fitting to the occasion. 

In all services, the entire Christian assembly participates in such a 
way that the members of each order within the Church, lay persons, 
bishops, priests, and deacons, fulfull the functions proper to their 
respective orders, as set forth in the rubrical directions for each 
service. 

The leader of worship in a Christian assembly is normally a bishop or 
priest.  Deacons by virtue of their order do not exercise a presiding 
function; but, like lay persons, may officiate in the Liturgy of the 
Word, whether in the form provided in the Daily Office, or (when a 
bishop or priest is not present) in the form appointed at the Eucharist.  
Under exceptional circumstances, when the services of a priest cannot be 
obtained, the bishop may, at discretion, authorize a deacon to preside