Deacon facts for kids

A deacon is an important helper in a Christian church. Their job can be a bit different depending on the specific church they belong to. Generally, deacons help manage the church and teach people about the Christian faith. They can also be present at weddings.

Sometimes, men who plan to become priests first serve as deacons for a while. This helps them prepare for their future role.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church and Catholic Church, men who become deacons cannot get married afterwards. However, deacons in Protestant churches are allowed to marry.

What is a Deacon's Role?

A deacon's main job is to serve the church and its community. They often help with church services and lead prayers. Deacons also teach people about the Christian faith. They might visit sick members or help those in need.

Deacons in Different Churches

The specific duties of a deacon can vary a lot. This depends on the type of Christian church.

Catholic Church Deacons

In the Catholic Church, there are two kinds of deacons. Some deacons are preparing to become priests. Others are permanent deacons who do not plan to become priests. Permanent deacons can be married before they become deacons.

Catholic deacons can perform baptisms and witness marriages. They can also lead funeral services. They help the priest during Mass and read from the Bible.

Eastern Orthodox Deacons

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, deacons mainly help the priest during church services. They lead parts of the prayers and help with holy rituals. They wear special clothes called an orarion and a sticharion.

A protodeacon is a special honorary title. It is given to certain married deacons in Eastern Christian churches. For example, in the Russian Orthodox Church, a protodeacon might wear a special burgundy-colored hat called a skufia.

Protestant Church Deacons

Many Protestant churches also have deacons. Their roles vary widely. Some deacons help with the church's finances and property. Others focus on helping people in the community. They might organize charity work or care for the poor.

In some Protestant churches, both men and women can serve as deacons. They are usually allowed to be married.

Images for kids

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  Saint Stephen, one of the first seven deacons in the Christian Church, holding a Gospel Book in a 1601 painting by Giacomo Cavedone.

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  A Catholic deacon wearing his dalmatic and biretta.

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  Ornately embroidered dalmatic, the proper vestment of the deacon (shown from the back with an appareled amice).

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  Greek Orthodox deacon in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, wearing an orarion over his sticharion. On his head he wears the clerical kamilavka.

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  Painting of a Russian Orthodox deacon leading an ektenia (litany).

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  An Anglican priest vested as a deacon with an alb and a purple stole over his left shoulder.

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  Certificate of ordination as a deacon in the Church of England given by Richard Terrick, the Bishop of London, to Gideon Bostwick. February 24, 1770.

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  Saint Stephen, detail of the bishops and deacons windows by Józef Mehoffer in the cathedral of Fribourg.

See also

In Spanish: Diácono para niños