What Are the Duties of Deacons & Deaconesses?

Within the Christian church, the duties of a deacon or deaconess vary depending on the denomination. Generally, the title is associated with some form of service performed for the church. Deacons and deaconesses are allowed to be married in most denominations; however, this must occur before ordainment.

Identification

The religious description of a deacon is described in the Biblical passage 1 Timothy 3:8-13. It details the qualities a deacon should possess and what his household should be like.

Function

Deacons are primarily responsible for three things: the Word, the Liturgy and Charity. He proclaims the Gospel during mass, ministers the Holy Communion and provides service to the poor.

Significance

With the exception of Eastern Orthodox deacons, most religious denominations allow deacons to perform sacraments as well. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the only sacrament they are allowed to facilitate is a baptism if the child is going to die.

Considerations

Deacons are limited in their role within the church in many ways. Most notably, they cannot hear confession, give absolution or anoint the sick. However, within the Anglican Church, some deacons are allowed to perform weddings.

Deaconesses

Deaconesses are not ordained in the Catholic or Eastern Orthodox Church. However, in other denominations, they are primarily responsible for preparing females for baptism and arranging bread and grape juice in ceremonies.

References

• Deacon and Deaconess: An Office or a Service
• Deacon and Deaconess Ministry Description
• Orthodox Church in America

Resources

• 1 Timothy 3:8-3:13
• Deacons

Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Angelo Juan Ramos