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