Digital Continent Winter 2019 | Page 20

This special relationship of bishop and deacon is evidenced even in the way deacons were ordained. Unlike the ordination of bishops and presbyters, where all the bishops or presbyters present “lay hands’ on the newly ordained, at the ordination of a deacon, only the bishop shall “lay hands” on the deacon. So specific is this laying on of hands that, Hippolytus of Rome, will infer that the deacon does not share in the same Spirit as the presbyters but only that which is conferred upon him by the bishop. 16 As the early Church grew in size, deacons helped the administration of the worshipping communities. They were given responsibility over the financial administration of the communities, especially in the distribution of funds and goods to the poor. Deacons will preach and spread the Gospel message. Deacons will become teachers, catechizing the community, as well as assist in the administration of justice for the worshipping communities. There is evidence in the Didiscalia that deacons will also judge the qualification of new members of the community, reviewing documentation and investigating personal history, a vetting of potential members. Deacons were everywhere, stewards of the Church. 16 Cf. William Ditewig. The Emerging Diaconate, 70. 12