Does anyone here know if the eastern rites had the permanent diaconate, subdiaconate, and minor orders before Vatican II? I am asking it because judging by the nature of their liturgy it seems they would. When I was was on vacation in Florida I attended a byzantine church and I was surprised at how much of a role the deacon played in the liturgy. He said a good amount of prayers that only the priest would be saying at the byzantine church I go to here in Michigan. I have read the rubrics of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and these prayers are indeed said by the deacon when one is there. If there was no permanent diaconate for the eastern churches these prayers either said by the priest, an assistant priest serving as a deacon, or a transitional deacon. The nature of the eastern liturgy seems to be more fitting for a permanent diaconate, subdiaconate, and/or minor orders imo.

Yes they have always had permanent minor orders.Some actually ordain all males to orders since laypersons are not permitted in the sanctuary

Huh. That is odd. I have seen a good amount of children serving at the altar in byzantine churches.

Huh. That is odd. I have seen a good amount of children serving at the altar in byzantine churches.

He said that "SOME" have that practice.  U.S. Byzantine/Ruthenian do not.

There's nothing to preclude children from being ordained to the Minor Orders though.