protodeacon

Protodeacon, from the Greek protos “first” and diakonos “deacon,” is a title used in several Christian traditions to denote a senior or principal deacon. The term literally means “first among the deacons” and is applied in both Eastern and Latin rites with distinct functions.

In the Eastern Orthodox and many Eastern Catholic churches, the protodeacon is the senior deacon within a diocese, cathedral, or wath episcopal liturgical setting. He typically serves as the bishop’s principal deacon or master of ceremonies at liturgies, leads the other deacons in processions, and may announce the Gospel or perform certain ceremonial duties. The position is ordinarily conferred by a bishop on a deacon recognized for seniority, experience, or service, and may carry specific vestments or honorifics without constituting a separate ordination.

In the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church, Protodeacon refers to a specific rank within the College of Cardinals: the senior cardinal deacon. The protodeacon has several ceremonial duties around papal elections and installations, most notably traditionally announcing the election of a pope with the phrase Habemus Papam from the balcony and presenting the newly elected pope to the faithful. Modern practice varies, and duties may differ depending on the circumstances of a given papal conclave.

See also: Deacon, Archdeacon, Cardinal Deacon.