Archdeacon (Orthodoxy)
An archdeacon (Greek archi-, arch- 'and diakonos, servant, helper') is a deacon with special tasks in Orthodoxy and in the United Churches .
Explanation
His task is to assist the bishop in his daily tasks, such as as an assistant in the liturgy or in the administrative tasks that arise. He accompanies the bishop on his travels and acts in the background as bishop's secretary or valet . In doing so he helps the bishop to reconcile the stressful daily routine with monastic life. For the liturgy , the archdeacon wears an orarion that is cut twice as long as usual and is placed over the right arm and hangs from the left shoulder. He can come from the monastic clergy or be married.
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- Lexicon for Theology and the Church, 2nd edition, 1966, Vol. 1