diakon

Diakon, or deacon in many languages, refers to a church office or role found in several Christian denominations. The term derives from the Greek diakonos, meaning servant or helper, and has historically signified a person devoted to service within the church, both in liturgical duties and in charitable work.

Historically, deacons emerged in early Christian communities to assist bishops and priests and to care for the practical needs of the faithful. Over time, the role became more formalized and differentiated from other clergy, leading to distinct patterns of ordination and responsibility in various traditions.

Duties and functions vary by tradition. In the Catholic Church, diakon is an ordained ministry; there are transitional deacons (candidates for priesthood) and permanent deacons. Deacons assist at liturgy, proclaim the Gospel, assist with the Eucharist, perform baptisms, and oversee service and charitable activities. In many Orthodox and Oriental churches, deacons are clergy who play a liturgical and pastoral role, with some allowance for married status before ordination. In Protestant churches, especially in Lutheran and Anglican contexts, diakon or deacon may be an ordained office or a lay leadership role focused on diaconal service, social care, and church administration. Women can hold deaconial roles in many of these traditions, while in the Catholic Church she is not ordained as a deacon today.

In modern usage, the term also appears in organizational names, such as Diakonisches Werk in Germany, a major Protestant social welfare association. The concept of diakonate emphasizes service, charity, and support for those in need within the church and community.