Deacon
Deacon
Deacon (/ˈdiːkən/; from Greek: διάκονος, diákonos, 'servant', 'waiter', 'messenger') is a role in Christian Churches that is generally associated with service of some kind, but which varies among theological and denominational traditions.
Etymology
The term "Deacon" is derived from the Greek word "diákonos" which means 'servant', 'waiter', or 'messenger'. The word was a common term used to refer to a person who performed these roles, and it was later adopted by the Christian Church to refer to those who assist in the liturgy, or who served the community in a charitable capacity.
Roles and Responsibilities
In many Christian denominations, the deacon's role is to assist the priest or bishop in the liturgy, or to carry out charitable works on behalf of the church community. This can include tasks such as distributing the Eucharistic bread and wine, reading from the Scriptures, and assisting in the preparation of the altar.
In some traditions, deacons may also have pastoral responsibilities, such as visiting the sick, the elderly, or those in prison. They may also be involved in teaching or preaching, and in some cases, they may be authorized to perform certain sacraments, such as baptism.
Related Terms
- Priest: A religious leader authorized to perform the sacred rituals of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and God.
- Bishop: An ordained member of the Christian clergy who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight.
- Eucharist: A Christian sacrament commemorating the Last Supper by consecrating bread and wine.
- Bible: The holy book of Christianity, consisting of the Old and New Testaments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Deacon
- Wikipedia's article - Deacon
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