diaconal

Diaconal is an adjective relating to the diaconate or to deacons, the ministry of service in many Christian churches. The term derives from the Greek diakonos, meaning servant or minister, and is used to describe things associated with deacons, including their office, functions, or the work they perform.

In ecclesiastical contexts, the diaconate is traditionally a distinct order of ordained ministry in several Christian traditions, though its exact status and path to priesthood varies by denomination. In the Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican and Lutheran churches, deacons are ordained to serve in liturgical and charitable roles; there are both transitional deacons who move on to priesthood and permanent deacons who remain in the diaconate.

Common diaconal duties include assisting in worship, proclaiming the Gospel, distributing the Eucharist, conducting baptisms, and providing charitable service and outreach. In many churches the deacon is especially associated with service to the poor and to communities in need, and may oversee social ministries, education, or mercy programs. The exact scope of diaconal duties varies by tradition.

Beyond ordained ministry, diaconal can describe organizations, programs, or practices aimed at service and mercy that reflect the diaconate's charitable focus.