Deacons

Deacon is a church office found in many Christian traditions. The term comes from the Greek diakonos, meaning servant or minister. Its roots lie in the New Testament, where seven men were chosen to serve the practical needs of the early Christian community, allowing the apostles to devote themselves to prayer and preaching (Acts 6).

In most traditions, deacons are ordained ministers who rank below priests and bishops. Two main forms are common: transitional deacons, who are preparing for priestly ordination, and permanent deacons, who serve without pursuing priesthood. Practices and expectations vary by church and rite. In some contexts, women may be ordinated as deacons; in others, the diaconate is restricted to men.

Duties of deacons typically include liturgical service and pastoral functions. They often assist in worship, proclaim the Gospel, and may preach or give homilies in certain settings. Deacons may be involved in administering baptism and witnessing marriages in some denominations, though such responsibilities are not uniform across all traditions. They frequently oversee charitable, educational, and outreach programs, coordinate parish service projects, and act as a bridge between the church and the wider community.

Historically, the office emphasized diakonia, or service, to the poor and to those in need. Across denominations today, the diaconate remains a distinct form of ministry focused on service, liturgical support, and proclamation, reflecting an enduring emphasis on practical and spiritual care within the church.