diaken

Diaken is a term used in Dutch, Afrikaans, and several other languages for a Christian minister who serves in liturgical and charitable duties. The word deacon, from the Greek diakonos, means servant or minister, reflecting the role's emphasis on service. Across traditions, diakons are tasked with assisting bishops and priests, proclaiming the Gospel, and serving the needs of the community.

In the Catholic Church, the diaconate is one of the three holy orders. Deacons may baptize, witness marriages, preside at funerals and certain liturgical services, and distribute Holy Communion, but they do not celebrate the Eucharist or hear confessions. The Latin Church distinguishes transitional deacons, who are on the path to priesthood, from permanent deacons who remain deacons for life. In some cases, permanent deacons may be married prior to ordination; celibacy rules apply differently in various rites.

In the Orthodox Church and some Eastern Christian traditions, deacons participate actively in liturgy and diaconal service, and they may be married if ordained before ordination to priesthood; celibacy for those who become bishops is common. Diaconal duties also include charitable work and assisting during worship.

In many Protestant churches, such as Anglican and Lutheran communities, the role of the diaconate emphasizes service, mission, and social ministry. Diaconates can be an ordained order or a diaconal office depending on the denomination.

In modern usage, diakonia also enters secular language as a term for church-led social service. Diakonie is used as the name of welfare organizations in several countries.