How Deaconship Began (From the Book of Acts to Today)

Did you know the role of deacons goes all the way back to the Bible? In the Book of Acts, the early Church found they needed helpers. The Apostles chose seven faithful men to assist in daily ministry so the Apostles could focus on prayer and teaching (Acts 6:1–7). These were essentially the first deacons! Among them were St. Stephen and St. Philip. St. Stephen served with such faith and love that he became the first Christian martyr, giving his life for Christ. St. Philip helped spread the Gospel – he’s known for teaching and baptizing the Ethiopian official – showing that deacons were not only serving tables but also sharing the Word.

As the Church grew, the deacon’s role became an official part of church life. The very word “deacon” means “servant”, and service has always been at the heart of this ministry. St. Paul emphasized that everything in worship should be done respectfully and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Deacons helped make that happen by assisting the clergy and keeping reverence in the services. In the Coptic Orthodox Church today, deacons continue this biblical ministry. We lead the congregation in hymns and responses, read scripture during the liturgy, and support the priest (or bishop) at the altar. It’s awesome to realize that when you serve as a deacon, you’re part of a tradition that started with the Apostles and continues strong to this day.

The Deacon’s Role: In Church and in the Community

Being a deacon isn’t just about wearing a tonia on Sunday – it’s about serving God and His people every day. Here’s a simple look at what deacons do, both during church services and beyond:
 
● In Church (Liturgy): During the liturgy and other services, deacons help everything run smoothly. We lead and chant hymns, guide the people in responses, and read passages from the Holy Bible (like the Epistle readings, and the Gospel if it’s our rank to do so). Deacons also assist the priest at the altar – carrying the cross or candles in processions, preparing incense or water when needed, and basically being an extra set of hands and a humble helper wherever needed. We work as a team with the clergy and the congregation, so that the worship is orderly, reverent, and uplifting for everyone.

● Outside Church (Community Life): The deacon’s calling to serve doesn’t stop when we leave the church. Deacons are encouraged to live as examples of love, unity, and humility in daily life. This can mean helping with Sunday School or youth meetings, visiting the sick or elderly, aiding in charity events, or simply being a friend who reaches out to those in need. In our church community, deacons often help organize events or communicate with others – basically, we continue to serve in any way that builds up the Body of Christ. It’s not about giving orders or having a title; it’s about humble service. Whether we’re singing in the liturgy or helping out at a youth gathering, we try to practice what we sing and pray – serving one another with the love of Christ.
 

In all these duties, remember that unity and humility are key. A deacon serves alongside others, not above them. The goal is spiritual growth – for you and those you serve. When we serve faithfully and humbly, we not only grow closer to God, but we also inspire those around us to grow in faith.

Deacon Ranks

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the deaconate is organized into a few ranks, each with its own typical role. Here’s a quick look at the deacon ranks and what each one does:
 
● Epsaltos (Chanter) – This is the first rank of deacon. Epsaltos literally means a psalmist or hymnist. An Epsaltos leads the singing of hymns and responses in church. Many of us were ordained as Epsaltos when we were young, learning the melodies and tunes of the church. The Epsaltos wears the white tonia without a badrasheel(stole), and his primary job is to help the congregation pray through hymns of praise.
 
● Oghnostos (Reader) – The next rank up is the Reader. As the name suggests, a Reader is entrusted with reading Scripture during the services. Readers still sing and chant with the others, but now they have the added honor of proclaiming God’s Word to the people. This rank usually involves a bit more maturity (often older teens or adults) since understanding and clearly reading the Bible to the congregation is important.
 
● Epidiakon (Subdeacon) – The Subdeacon is essentially an assistant in the altar. Think of this rank as the deacon’s helper behind the scenes. An Epidiakon helps the priest with the practical needs of the service: he might carry the liturgical candles, hold the cross during processions, prepare the water or altar vessels, and make sure everything in the sanctuary is in order. The Subdeacon stands right at the altar's door or inside, ready to serve. It’s a role that requires attentiveness and reverence, helping keep the “decent and in order” flow of the liturgy.
 
● Deacon (Full Deacon) – This is a fully ordained deacon (sometimes called a “full deacon” to distinguish it). The word deacon itself means servant, and a person in this rank can directly assist the priest during the Eucharist. A full deacon often leads important parts of the service – for instance, assisting in distributing Holy Communion to the believers (always under the priest or bishop’s guidance). In the Coptic tradition, not every church has full deacons, but when you do see one, they usually wear the badrasheel over one shoulder across their chest. The deacon’s role here is very much about being the right hand to the clergy, serving the mysteries of the Church with humility and dedication.
 
● Archdeacon – This is the highest rank of deacon, and it’s often bestowed on an experienced deacon who can lead others. An Archdeacon is like the head deacon. In church history, the archdeacon would organize and oversee the deacon’s work. . It’s a role of service and leadership combined – guiding the deacons’ choir, yet still very much serving the Church. While few deacons will reach this rank, it remains a beautiful example of leadership through service.

Each rank builds on the one before it, but all are about serving God and the church. Whether you’re a new Epsaltos learning your first hymn or an Archdeacon leading a whole chorus, what matters most is the heart of service. And no matter the rank, when we put on our tonia and stand in the altar or chorus, we’re standing in unity with generations of deacons before us, ready to serve with love, humility, and joy.

Please take a moment to fill out the short form below so we can add you to our Deacon Registry. It helps us stay organised, plan services better, and support each other in our service to Christ and His Church.