diakonial
Diakonial is an adjective used in several Christian contexts to describe work, institutions, or attitudes connected with diakonia, the ministry of service to those in need. The term derives from the Greek diakonia, meaning service or ministry, and from the office of the deacon (diakon). In many languages it is used to denote charitable or welfare activities that arise from church life.
Historically, diakonial activity traces to the early Christian communities in which deacons administered alms, cared for
In current usage, diakonial work is typically organized through church-related agencies or partnerships with secular welfare
In Nordic and some European contexts, the term diakonial also signals a distinct ethos of service within
See also: diakonate, diakonia, church charity, social ministry.