Diakonat

Diakonat, from the Greek diakonos meaning servant, is the Christian office or ministry dedicated to service, charitable works, and assistance in worship. It is one of the traditional ordained orders in many Christian communions, alongside bishops and presbyters.

In the early Church, deacons were established to attend to practical needs, administer alms, and assist in the service of worship. Over time, in the Western church, the diaconate often functioned as a stepping-stone to priesthood, while in other traditions it remained a permanent office. The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) led to a restoration of the permanent diaconate in the Catholic Church, allowing men who remain deacons for life to be ordained as deacons without ordination to the priesthood. In the Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic churches, the diaconate is an established, sometimes permanent, order with a liturgical role that includes proclaiming the Gospel, leading certain prayers, and assisting at the Eucharist, while the presiding priest or bishop retains the celebration of the sacraments.

Across Protestant churches, the diaconate also exists but varies widely in function. In many Anglican and Lutheran communities, deacons emphasize service, charity, and proclamation, while in some congregations the diaconate is closely tied to the pastoral and liturgical life of the church. The diakonat remains a symbol of service within the church's ordained ministry.