The '''Deacon''' is the third and lowest degree of the [[major orders]] of [[clergy]] in the [[Orthodox Church]], following the [[bishop]] and the [[presbyter]]. The word ''deacon'' means ''server'' and originally it referred to a person who waited on tables.

== Diaconal Ministry ==

A deacon may be blessed by his bishop and parish priest to distribute the [[Eucharist]] to the faithful, either from a second [[chalice]] at a regular [[liturgy]] where a priest is serving or in connection with a [[typika]] service that is celebrated when the priest is absent. In neither case, however, does the deacon consecrate the [[Holy Gifts]]. The deacon has no ability or authority to consecrate the Holy Gifts on his own.

== Rankings of Deacons ==