Q&A Home > D > Deacons

What is the role of the rank of Deacon? Is this a full time position? Would they get paid a salary from the Church, similar to the priest (Abouna)? Are all deacons consecrated? If they are, what would make a difference between one who is paid and one who is not? This leads to another question that is a little of off tangent from the above. Nonetheless, if you only have one deacon, would they take on the roles of the archdeacon?? Also, can they ordain a deacon for the sole purpose of giving the blood, while neglecting his other duties?

The rank of deacon is the fourth out of five ranks of the diaconate. The highest rank of the diaconate is the archdeacon. The deacon is generally not salaried and customarily wears his black robe during services and visitations, but is not necessarily required to have a beard. Depending on his duties, responsibilities, and the community in which he serves, the deacon may or may not be salaried. If he is a consecrated servant/deacon, his needs, expenses, and accommodations will be provided for by the diocese or metropolis in which he serves.

Some deacons are married and some have consecrated their lives to God's ministry in the church. Married deacons may hold secular employment, but not consecrated deacons (brothers). Not all deacons are called to serve as presbyters in the Holy Mystery of the Priesthood, but rather they are commissioned to various missions and the general service as needed in the church. If the ministry to which they are called requires expenses of which they do not have the means, the diocese or metropolis in which the service can cover their expenses and monetary needs in order for them to be able to serve. The bishop or metropolitan can determine if a stipend will be given to the deacon for the needs of his service. Consecrated deacons and deaconesses do not have any source of income because they are completely devoted to the service. Thus, the diocese or metropolis assesses a stipend to care for their expenses, in addition to providing all their necessary accommodations, housing (usually at a home or center with other brothers or sisters, etc.). Consecrated deacons are referred to as "brothers" (in Coptic, "Pason"), similar to the terminology for consecrated sisters and deaconesses (in Coptic, "Tasony").

If the church in which the deacon serves requires the function of the archdeacon, then a deacon can be elevated to the rank of archdeacon. It does not make sense to perform the duties of another rank but not be ordained at that rank. A deacon cannot and should not be ordained specifically for the function of administering the blood for the Holy Eucharist. The deacon must possess all the qualities and abilities to perform all the duties of this rank 100% wholeheartedly and without faltering in any aspect.

You can read more about the role of the deaconate at the link below.
http://www.suscopts.org/deacons/ranks_of_deaconate.shtm