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Servants Among Us The history and tradition of deacons in the Church

Servants Among Us The history and tradition of deacons in the Church. This is a description of “ diakonia ” which means “ministry” or “servanthood”. from “ diakonia ” comes the words: “deacon” “diaconal”

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Servants Among Us The history and tradition of deacons in the Church

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  1. Servants Among UsThe history and tradition of deacons in the Church

  2. This is a description of “diakonia” which means “ministry” or “servanthood” from “diakonia” comes the words: “deacon” “diaconal” “diaconate” And Jesus continued to enact this way of life throughout his days.

  3. The First deacons -- Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. Acts 6:5 St. Stephen, Deacon and First Martyr Acts 7:51 - 8:1

  4. The three-fold ordained ministry Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, was the first to write of the three-fold structure of ministry we know today. Bishops (episcopos – overseer) - unity with the Bishop is a symbol of unity with the one God Presbyters (presbyteros – elders – later called “priests”) - representing the council of the apostles Deacons (diakonos – ministers – agents – servants) - symbols of Christ

  5. Deacons in the Early Church

  6. Some deacons, like Athanasius of Alexandria, were elected bishop directly, without having served as priest. Athanasius of AlexandriaFourth Century defender of Nicene orthodoxy

  7. Ephrem of Edessa 4th century deacon, one of the fathers of the Syrian Orthodox Church; champion of the Nicene faith, biblical scholar, theologian, historian, hymn writer

  8. Alcuin of York8th century deacon, Abbot of Tours, teacher, librarian, tutor to Charlemagne, leading spirit of the Carolingian Renaissance; died in 804

  9. Frances of Assisi

  10. More recent Deacons Nicholas Ferrar (Dec 1) 17th century deacon; founder of Little Gidding community in Huntingtonshire in England; active in providing for the poor,operating a free school and a hospital. Rev Charles Dodgson, Mathematical Lectureship, Christ Church, and author – Alice In Wonderland, under his pen name Lewis Carol. David William Oakerhater (Sept 1) 20th century deacon; Cheyenne warrior, served for years in Oklahoma Indian Territory; the first American Indian in the Episcopal Calendar of Saints.

  11. In all, there are about 4,000 deacons in the Episcopal Church today 41 of them are in Northern California

  12. Deacons’ Gathering

  13. Deacons’ Gathering

  14. Deacons’ Gathering

  15. At Ordinations

  16. Together in Community

  17. Our newest Deacons 2016

  18. So what is a deacon about in this day and age? Servanthood Heralding Agency

  19. Diaconal Ministries in Northern California • Kairos • Health Care • Environment • Community Organization • Prison Ministry • Homeless Shelter • Tax assistance • Disaster Preparedness • Hospice • Community Gardens • Native American ministries • Visiting • Outreach • Services at care facilities and retirement communities

  20. Service is something we all do.

  21. Deacons seek Justice

  22. Deacons remind us about serving ministry by serving in the liturgy

  23. Proclaiming the Gospel

  24. occasionally preaching

  25. overseeing the intercessions introducing the confession

  26. preparing the table and the gifts doing the ablutions

  27. standing along-side

  28. assisting in the administration of the sacraments

  29. giving the dismissal – sending the people out into the world

  30. Pouring the water at Baptism - Carrying the Paschal Candle at the Easter Vigil Chanting the Exsultet Take communion to the sick & coordinate the Eucharistic Visitors

  31. The deacons are in our midstalways reminding us who we areas servants in the Name of Christ, and encouraging us to sharein the serving ministry of Jesus.

  32. Deacons in the Diocese of Northern Californiagive thanks to Deacon Bob Olsenfor his work Source material for this presentation includes:Many Servants: An Introduction to DeaconsOrmonde PlaterThe Diaconate: A Full and Equal OrderJames Barnett

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