Subdeaconduring

Subdeaconduring is a neologism used to describe a hypothetical or fictional situation in which a subdeacon assumes full or partial liturgical responsibilities during a service in the absence or unavailability of a deacon. The term is formed by combining “subdeacon” with “during,” highlighting the temporal scope of the duties. In real-world ecclesiastical practice, subdeacons exist within certain Christian traditions, primarily in historical liturgies of the Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic, and some Anglican rites, where they serve under deacons and priests. They do not typically substitute for a deacon during the service. Therefore, subdeaconduring is mainly a concept used in fictional, speculative, or analytical discussions rather than a formal liturgical category.

Usage of the term occurs in fan fiction, world-building notes, and some niche religious studies discussions as a shorthand for “the period in which a subdeacon performs liturgical duties due to the absence of a deacon.” It is not standard terminology in official liturgical manuals or contemporary church practice.

Etymology is straightforward: it is a compound of the English word subdeacon and the preposition during, created to indicate the time frame of the duties.

See also: subdeacon; deacon; liturgy; ecclesiastical hierarchy; ecclesiastical law.

References: No widely recognized scholarly sources establish subdeaconduring as a formal term; its use remains largely within speculative or fictional contexts.