II. Biblical and Patristic Origins, Sources
Most would refer to Sacred Scripture; in Acts 6:1-6 there is an establishment of a new
ministry, a ministry of service, service to the widows and service at table. Is then, the
establishment of the first deacons solely to serve at table, or is there a much deeper theology
behind the office? Are deacons merely to be the logistical coordinators of the Church or are they
as St. Ignatius of Antioch refers to them, “fellow servants blessed in all things.” 3 Certainly,
Stephen and his colleagues preached and taught. In fact, it is the preaching of Stephen which
will cost him his life.
In my paper I will endeavor to chronicle the development of the Diaconate, to describe
how the men of the diaconate were encouraged to participate in the sacramental life of the clergy
and witness the diakonos of Christ. I will, through the early years of the Church detail the
activity and contributions of the first deacons and highlight the theological growth of the office. I
will also discuss how and why the office of deacons will fade from the hierarchy of the Church
for centuries. The office, however will not disappear forever. Discussed as early as the Council of
Trent, the permanent Diaconate would be reestablished with Vatican II. What was
reestablished, was the order of deacons as a part of Holy Orders. Men of the Diaconate are
ordained into the ministry of the Church, to share in some of the sacramental duties of the
clergy. What led to this reestablishment of this order? Not as some have suggested, as an answer
to the declining number of men called to the priesthood, but instead as an answer to the
question: What can the Church contribute to the shaping and building of the world? A world
savaged by two world wars and the growth of globalization and a growing disparity between
developed and developing countries. My paper will conclude with a discussion that will, for
3
Ignatius of Antioch. “Letter to the Ephesians,” Translated by Alexander Roberts and James
Donaldson. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland
Coxe. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin
Knight. Accessed June 19, 2018. http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0106.htm. 2.
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