deacon
Loading your saved state.
deacon
A clerical office in various Christian churches that is below the office of priest or pastor. Deacons devote themselves mainly to charitable and pastoral duties in the congregation.
Der Diakon leitet den örtlichen Jugendtreff und kümmert sich um die Armen.
The deacon runs the local youth club and takes care of the poor.
The word comes from the Greek 'diákonos', meaning 'servant' or 'helper'. This reflects the main task of a deacon, namely to serve the church community in social and pastoral areas.
Als Diakon fühlt er sich berufen, den Menschen zu helfen.
As a deacon, he feels called to help people.
The word 'Diakon' (deacon) is closely connected with the noun 'die Diakonie'. Diakonie is the social service of the Protestant churches in Germany and one of the largest welfare organizations.
Viele Krankenhäuser und Pflegeheime in Deutschland werden von der Diakonie betrieben.
Many hospitals and nursing homes in Germany are run by Diakonie.
In a church context, you often hear the phrase 'zum Diakon geweiht werden' (to be ordained as a deacon). In a professional context, people say 'als Diakon arbeiten' (to work as a deacon).
Nach seiner Ausbildung wurde er feierlich zum Diakon geweiht.
After his training, he was solemnly ordained as a deacon.
pastor
'der Pfarrer' and 'der Diakon' both refer to offices in the Christian church and often work in a congregation. For that reason, they can easily be confused. A Pfarrer normally leads a congregation and is responsible for church services and pastoral care. A Diakon also has a clerical office, but is usually below the pastor or priest and focuses especially on social and pastoral duties. When it is about leading the congregation, 'Pfarrer' is more likely to fit. When it is about help, visits, or social work in the congregation, 'Diakon' may be more precise.
Am Wochenende hat Adam den Diakon beim Besuch im Altenheim begleitet.
At the weekend, Adam accompanied the deacon on a visit to the nursing home.
Der Pfarrer begrüßt die Gemeinde vor dem Gottesdienst.
The pastor greets the congregation before the service.