Archdeacon

MARIA GWYN MCDOWELL

A rank of the diaconate. Historically the archdeacon is a title of honor given to chief deacons who are also monastics. In contemporary practice the archdeacon is an administrative rank designating the deacon attached to the person of a bishop who holds primary responsibility and honor among the episcopal staff. The archdeacon is elevated, not ordained, to the new rank. An archdeacon can be married, celibate, or monastic.

SEE ALSO: Deacon; Deaconess; Ordination; Protodeacon