An officer in Christian churches appointed to perform certain subordinate duties varying in different communions. In the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches, a person admitted to the lowest order in the ministry, subordinate to the bishops and priests. In Presbyterian churches, he is subordinate to the minister and elders, and has charge of certain duties connected with the communion service and the care of the poor. In Congregational churches, he is subordinate to the pastor, and has duties as in the Presbyterian church.

Late Latin diaconus, a servant of the church (Greek diakonos, servant or messenger) -- a Christian elder or church officer who helps the minister, primarily in matters not having to do with worship; a cleric ranking just below a priest in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches; to read a verse aloud before it is sung by the congregation. A deaconess is a female deacon, usually appointed to assist members of the congregation or parish, such as the sick and poor. Diaconal is of a deacon or deacons (adjective). Diaconate is the rank office, or tenure of a deacon, or a board of deacons.

A member of the clergy ordained by a Bishop and set apart by the Church for a special ministry of servanthood -- particularly on behalf of the poor, the weak, the sick, and the lonely. Deacons serve under the direct authority of the Bishop. Our Deacon is the Rev. Theorphlis M Borden ("").

(DEA·con). A lay appointed office in the ancient church designed to provide assistance to the congregation in non-spiritual matters. From Greek diakonos, attendant.