deacon

Oct 272008

[deacon's bronze cross]
Greek: diakonos, minister

The highest of those in major orders but the lowest in rank of the hierarchical orders instituted by Christ. The Roman Pontifical states his duties thus

to minister to the altar
to baptize
to preach

The diaconate is of divine institution. When in their vestments, deacons wear a stole that wraps across the left shoulder.