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Deacons were the primary assistants to the bishop. The diocese was divided into (at first) seven diakoniae or deaconries. Each was headed by a senior deacon, with the assistance of a junior deacon (or subdeacon). These were responsible for the adminsitration of the Church's resources in that district, especially but not exclusively for the care of the poor and vulnerable.
These were eventually expanded to 14 districts, and then expanded again. The ecclesial structure of a deanery (also called a vicariate or a prefecture) derives from these early diakoniae.
Because of their experenice with the administration of the diocesan church, especially compared to presbyters who only advised the bishop and lead small house churches/tituli (early parishes), it was more likely that the bishop would be elected from among the deacons than among the presbyterate in the first millennium.
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Who was one of the seven deacons of ancient Rome who was literally grilled to death in 258?
St. Lawrence the Deacon
Why is St. Lawrence of Rome a saint?
Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Pope Sixtus II and was martyred for his faith, along with the pope and fellow deacons. Early Christians considered all martyrs to be saints.
How many deacons in the Catholic Bible?
There were seven men chosen by the early Church as deacons.
What is the worldwide gathering of the pope and all deacons called?
There is no such gathering of deacons. However, the pope may call all bishops or cardinals to Rome for a meeting.
Who were the four deacons of Pope Sixtus II?
There were 7 deacons under Pope Sixtus II: Januarius, Vincentius, Magnus, Stephanus, Felicissimus and Agapitus, Lawrence of Rome. All were martyred.
Why did the Catholic Church start using deacons?
Deacons began about the year 33 AD, shortly after the death of Christ. Originally, seven were appointed by the apostles.
Where did the idea cardinals in the Catholic Church come from?
The College of Cardinals is composed of those members of the clergy who elect a new Pope. Originally, the clergy of Rome elected the new Pope upon the death of the old one. So the College of Cardinals originated in the clergy of Rome. The College of Cardinals is composed of Cardinal Bishops, Cardinal priests, and Cardinal deacons. The bishops were originally the bishops of the Rome diocese. Early Christian Rome was divided into seven sections, each administered by a deacon, that is the origin of the Cardinal deacons. Cardinal priests are descended from the original priests of Rome and they still hold titular titles as priests of the various titular churches in Rome from when Rome was divided into various parishes in the fifth and sixth centuries.
Where did Saint Lawrence live?
Saint Lawrence lived in the city of Rome, Italy during the 3rd century AD. He was one of the seven deacons of the early Christian Church in Rome, serving under Pope Sixtus II. Saint Lawrence is known for his martyrdom and his unwavering faith in the face of persecution.
Which European city is known as the 'City of Seven Hills'?
Rome is the city on seven hills.
How is Saint Stephen important?
He was one of the original seven deacons appointed by the apostles and the first Christian martyr.
Who is the patron of Saint Lawrence?
I do not understand your question. Are you asking what St. Lawrence is the patron of, who his patron saint was or who was his employer? If it is the latter, he was one of seven deacons who served under the leadership of Pope Saint Sixtus II. Pope Sixtus and all seven deacons met death by martyrdom.
Were the seven first deacons in the book of acts married?
The Book of Acts does not provide specific information about the marital status of the seven first deacons appointed in Acts 6:1-6. However, some early church traditions suggest that some of them, like Philip, may have been married, as he is later referred to as having daughters (Acts 21:9). Ultimately, the biblical text does not confirm or deny the marital status of all seven deacons.
