The first degree of ordained ministry; the deacon assists the priest, leads the petitions and reads the Gospel.
În Bisericile Ortodoxă și Catolică, diaconul este hirotonit de episcop și slujește alături de preot sau de episcop. Diaconii au o voce puternică și cântă rugăciunile de cerere ale slujbei.
În multe Biserici protestante și neoprotestante, diaconii sunt membri aleși ai comunității care se ocupă de ajutorarea celor nevoiași și de administrare.
See also
- Deacons' DoorsThe two side doors of the iconostasis, used by deacons and servers; archangels are usually painted on them.
- OrarionThe long band worn by the deacon over the left shoulder, raised to signal the petitions.
- PriestThe cleric ordained by a bishop who celebrates the sacraments and shepherds a community; called "Father".
In the same category
- Abbot, abbessThe head of a monastery.
- Archpriest (protopop)The priest who coordinates the parishes of an area (deanery) on behalf of the bishop.
- Assembly (congregation)The local community of Neo-Protestant believers, who call each other "brother" and "sister".
- BishopThe spiritual leader of a diocese; ordains priests and consecrates churches.
- CantorThe person who sings the responses and hymns from the choir stall.
- CardinalA senior Catholic prelate appointed by the pope; cardinals under 80 elect the new pope in conclave.