In England, an ecclesiastical dignitary, next in rank below a bishop, whom he assists, and by whom he is appointed, though with independent authority.
A high Catholic Church official, serving more-or-less as executive secretary to a bishop. (Fine, John V.A. Jr. The Late Medieval Balkans, 621)
A clergy person appointed by the Bishop to provide administrative assistance and other leadership as assigned by the Bishop to congregations and church organizations in the diocese. Archdeacons are referred to as "The Venerable" (The Ven.): The Venerable John Smith. Salutation in letter: "Dear Archdeacon Smith" or "Dear Mr. Smith." The title "Reverend" is not used if Venerable is used. Archdeacons sometimes wear purple instead of black cassocks.
(Anglican Church) an ecclesiastical dignitary usually ranking just below a bishop
a priest who is part of a bishop 's staff and who usually has some administrative supervision over missions for the bishop or other such functions
a senior member of the clergy, responsible to the Diocesan Bishop for an area
a cleric having a defined administrative authority delegated to him by the bishop in the whole or part of the diocese
The chief administrative officer of a diocese, administering spiritual as well as temporal matters. In ancient times, the archdeacon was the senior deacon in the diocese; for many centuries the office has usually been filled by a senior priest or a suffragan bishop. (In England, a diocese may be divided into two or more archdeaconries for administrative purposes, with an archdeacon in charge of each.)
bishop's administrative officer; also engaged in the practical, legal, and pastoral work in his part of the diocese
A priest on a bishop's staff who has some administrative duties.
A clergyperson with a defined administrative authority delegated by the diocesan bishop.
A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese.
The chief Deacon. If married, the title is Protodeacon. The Martyr Stephen was the first Archdeacon.
a priest who is on a bishop's staff and who exercises some administrative supervision over parishes, missions, priests, or programs for the bishop; archdeacons are referred to as "The Venerable" [The Ven.]: The Venerable Hudson Stuck. Salutation in letter: "Dear Archdeacon Stuck" or "Dear Mr. Stuck". The title `Reverend' is not used if Venerable is used. Archdeacons sometimes wear purple instead of black cassocks.