Consecrator
Consecrator is a term used in the Roman Catholic Church to designate a bishop who ordains a priest to the episcopal state. The term is often used in Eastern Rite Churches and in Anglican communities. The term "Principal Consecrator" is used to designate the primary bishop who ordains a new bishop. A "Principal Co-Consecrator" is a bishop who assists the Principal Consecrator in the ordination of a new bishop. For validity, only one bishop is needed to raise a priest to the episcopal state. Legally, the ordaining bishop needs a papal mandate and the assistance of at least two co-consecrators, or "principal co-consecrators." For the ordination of a diocesan bishop, the principal consecrator will usually be his metropolitan archbishop assisted by two other bishops. While there are often other bishops in attendance at an episcopal ordination, they are designated as co-consecrators and are generally not recorded in any documentation supporting the elevation of a new bishop. Once a new diocesan bishop is ordained, he then must be installed as bishop of his see, either during the service or at a later date.[1][2]