deacon

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in several Christian churches, an ordained minister ranking below a priest

   The deacon assisted the priest during the service.

2. 2
   noun

   in some Protestant churches, a lay officer who helps with pastoral, charitable, or administrative duties

   The congregation elected a deacon to coordinate its work with local charities.

From Old English diacon, through Late Latin diaconus, from Greek diakonos ('servant, minister'). Early Christian communities used the title for appointed ministers of service; different denominations later developed distinct ordained and lay forms of the office.

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