# Archdeacon

Source: https://coptic-lore-forge.lovable.app/wiki/archdeacon — Coptic Orthodox Wiki (updated 2026-10-02)

An archdeacon heads the deacons and has responsibilities for church services, sacred furnishings, charitable assistance, and liaison with the bishop.[^1][^2]

## Office and responsibilities

The archdeacon is the head of the deacons, with responsibilities encompassing worship, church administration, and charitable service.[^1][^2]

The duties include:

- Arranging church services and assigning tasks to deacons and subdeacons.[^2]
- Safeguarding church books, vessels, and vestments.[^2]
- Ensuring that church charity reaches those in need.[^2]
- Acting as a liaison on behalf of the bishop.[^2]
- Helping recommend candidates for the diaconate and for promotion to higher ranks.[^2]

## Historical development

The rank dates to the apostolic age, with Stephen identified as the chief of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles. The rank is not mentioned in the letter of Cornelius, bishop of Rome, to Fabius, bishop of Antioch, although that letter mentions other ranks of the diaconate.[^1]

According to the same account, the position became fully established in both Eastern and Western churches in the fourth century. It cites Augustine’s writings, the description of Athanasius as principal deacon in Theodoret’s account of the Council of Nicaea, and the proceedings of the Council of Ephesus in 431.[^3]

Seniority appears to have been a criterion for promotion, but exceptions occurred. Alexander I appointed Athanasius while he was still young and not the most senior deacon; John Chrysostom likewise ordained Serapion first as deacon and then as archdeacon of the church of Constantinople.[^4]

## Ordination

A deacon of proven aptitude may be recommended for the archdiaconate.[^5] The bishop ordains the archdeacon on the recommendation of the congregation and clergy, in accordance with the sacrament of holy orders.[^6]

The supplied articles describe the timing differently: the article on the archdeacon places the ordination immediately after the prayer of the aspasmos, or Kiss of Peace, and before its hymn; the article on ordination says that ordination of a deacon or archdeacon usually follows the Prayer of Reconciliation.[^6][^7]

The ordination prayer asks for the grace of the Holy Spirit and for the candidate to be made worthy to hold the chalice, minister to orphans, help widows, and care for the servers. The bishop then lays hands upon him, and the newly ordained archdeacon participates in the Divine Liturgy.[^6][^8]

## Sources
[^1]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 492)
[^2]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 493)
[^3]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 492)
[^4]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 492)
[^5]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 532)
[^6]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 492)
[^7]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 3, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 530)
[^8]: The Coptic Encyclopedia, Volume 1, Aziz S. Atiya (Editor in Chief) (p. 493)