Deacon
/ˈdiː.kən/noun
A member of the clergy who assists priests or ministers in Christian worship and service.
Did you know?The Greek word diákonos referred to an attendant or servant before it became the title of an official Christian minister.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
διάκονος (diákonos)
“Servant, attendant, or minister; the deeper origin is uncertain”
1st Century
Greek
διάκονος (diákonos)
“A Christian minister or community servant, as in the New Testament”
4th Century
Late Latin
diaconus
“A church official serving below a priest”
10th–12th Century
Old English / Old French
diacon / diakene
“A Christian ecclesiastical officer”
Modern English
English
deacon
“A member of the clergy who assists in worship and pastoral service”