Evolution of the deacons institute in the Orthodox Church of Dnieper Ukraine in the modern period

Abstract

The traditional duties of members of clergy-deacons are analyzed. Genesis of deacon’s
rank in the Orthodox Church is showed. The reasons for the rapid decrease of the authority
of deacons are learned. Public discussions on the necessity of the presence of deacons in the
parish structure are highlighted. Causes of conflicts between deacons and members of the parish
are discovered. The attitude of believers towards practice of keeping deacons on their own
expense is analyzed. Government measures for improvement of clergy work and reasons of
failure of government reforms are analyzed. Deacons attitude towards change is character-
ized. Analysis of the counter-reform of churches personnel, which included increasing of the
proportion of deacons, is presented. However, the main requirement for candidates was the
presence of ecclesiastical education. Regional particularities that were observed in determining
the duties of deacons in various dioceses of Dnieper Ukraine are highlighted.
Keywords: clergy, deacon, church, parish, Dnieper Ukraine