Deacon

Definition and Meaning

The Korean term bujae (副祭, deacon) means "one who assists at the sacrifice (worship)." In churches that divide holy orders into the three ranks of bishop, priest, and deacon, such as the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church of Korea, it refers to the lowest rank of clergy. The rite by which holy orders are conferred is called ordination. The original Greek term is diakonos, meaning "one who serves," and it shares the same root as diakonia (service). The Korean Protestant term jipsa translates the same word, but in Korea the two terms designate different offices. In the Orthodox Church in Korea, the same office is reportedly called bojae (輔祭).

Biblical and Historical Background

In Acts 6, the apostles appointed seven men, including Stephen, to oversee relief for the needy and the distribution of food. Although the text does not call them diakonoi, church tradition commonly regards this event as the origin of the diaconate. Philippians 1:1 mentions deacons together with bishops, and 1 Timothy 3:8–13 sets out the qualifications for deacons. Romans 16:1 introduces Phoebe as a diakonos of the church at Cenchrea.

The letters of Ignatius of Antioch, written in the early second century, reflect the threefold ministry of bishop, presbyter, and deacon. In the medieval Western Church, the diaconate became primarily a stage on the way to the priesthood. After the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church restored the permanent diaconate, in which men serve as deacons for life without becoming priests.

Practice in Korean Churches

• Anglican: In the Anglican Church of Korea, those preparing for the priesthood are first ordained deacons and, after a set period, are ordained priests. Deacons read the Gospel, preach, administer baptism, and assist at the Eucharist. Consecrating the Eucharist, pronouncing absolution, and pronouncing the blessing are reserved to priests and bishops.
• Catholic: Deacons proclaim the Gospel and preach the homily at Mass, and they may officiate at baptisms and weddings. They do not celebrate Mass themselves.
• Presbyterian, Methodist, Holiness, Baptist, Full Gospel, and others: Most of these churches do not have the office of bujae. The office of jipsa, which derives from the same Greek term, functions as a lay office, while the path to ordained ministry uses titles such as jeondosa (evangelist), gangdosa (licentiate), and moksa (pastor). The Presbyterian Church regards the office of deacon as a perpetual office (one that is always maintained) responsible for relief and service.