1. the office or rank of a deacon in Christian churches
Usage: religious
2. the body of deacons collectively
Usage: religious

Examples

• He was ordained to the diaconate last spring.
• The diaconate serves as a bridge between the clergy and the congregation.
• She felt called to pursue the diaconate after years of volunteer work.
• The bishop presided over the ordination to the diaconate.
• Members of the diaconate assist with charitable works in the parish.
• The diaconate has grown significantly in recent decades.