also: あんじゅ
noun
ordination; laying on of hands
Christian term for the ritual act of placing hands on a person to confer a blessing, ordain, or commission for ministry.
按手の儀式は、教会の伝統において重要な意味を持つ。
The rite of laying on of hands holds important meaning in church tradition.
新しい牧師の按手式が来週行われる。
The ordination ceremony for the new pastor will be held next week.
叙階 is a more general term for ordination in Christian contexts, while 按手 specifically refers to the laying on of hands as part of the ordination rite.
The term 按手 is composed of 按 (to press, place) and 手 (hand), directly translating the Christian concept of laying on of hands. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is a Sino-Japanese term used in Christian contexts.