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Archdeacon: meaning, definitions and examples

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archdeacon

 

[ ˌɑːrʧˈdiːkən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

religious office

An archdeacon is a senior clergy member in the Christian church, typically responsible for the administration of a diocese or archdeaconry. This individual plays a significant role in supporting the bishop and overseeing the work of other clergy within the defined geographical area. Archdeacons are often involved in the discipline of clergy, church property management, and pastoral care. The position can vary across different denominations, but they generally serve as a vital link between the bishop and the parish clergy.

Synonyms

church administrator, diocesan officer, senior clergyman

Examples of usage

  • The archdeacon visited the local parishes to check on their progress.
  • An archdeacon often conducts confirmations and ordinations.
  • In this diocese, the archdeacon has a key role in church governance.

Translations

Translations of the word "archdeacon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arcediácono

🇮🇳 आर्चडेकन

🇩🇪 Erzdiakon

🇮🇩 arsidiakon

🇺🇦 архідіакон

🇵🇱 arcydiakon

🇯🇵 アークディーコン

🇫🇷 archidiacre

🇪🇸 archidiácono

🇹🇷 başdeacon

🇰🇷 아치디콘

🇸🇦 أسقف مساعد

🇨🇿 arcidiakon

🇸🇰 arcidiakon

🇨🇳 大执事

🇸🇮 arhidiakon

🇮🇸 arkídeakoni

🇰🇿 архидиакон

🇬🇪 არქიდიკონი

🇦🇿 arxidiakon

🇲🇽 archidiácono

Word origin

The term 'archdeacon' derives from the Old English word 'earchdiacon', which is a combination of 'earc' meaning 'chief' or 'principal' and 'diacon' from Latin 'diaconus', meaning 'deacon'. The role of the archdeacon has its origins in the early Christian church where deacons assisted bishops in the administration of church duties. As the church hierarchies developed, archdeacons emerged as an integral part of ecclesiastical governance, taking on more significant responsibilities. By the Middle Ages, archdeacons were recognized not only as senior clerics but also as essential figures in the organization and functionality of the church’s framework, bridging the gap between bishops and local clergy. This position remains important in many Christian denominations today.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,331, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.