What is the hierarchy of deacons in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The hierarchy of the diaconate in the Coptic Orthodox Church consists of five distinct ranks. Each rank carries specific responsibilities and spiritual significance within the liturgical life of the Church.

1. Epsaltos

This is the first and entry-level rank. The word is derived from the Greek word for "hymn" or "psalm."

• Role: To learn and lead the congregation in the responses and hymns of the Church.
• Age: Usually given to children to encourage them to grow in the spirit of the Church.
• Rite: The Bishop places his hand on the candidate's head without an official "laying of hands" (Cheirotonia) or signing with the cross, as it is a rank of promotion into service rather than a full clerical order.

2. Anagnostis

The Reader is a critical rank responsible for the public reading of Holy Scripture.

• Role: Reading the Daily Readings, including the Pauline Epistles, Catholic Epistles, and Acts. They also keep the church books and records.
• Requirements: Must have a deep understanding of the readings and be capable of explaining them to the people.
• Rite: The Bishop cuts five tufts of hair in the shape of a cross, signifying the dedication of the mind and senses to God.

3. Epideiakon

The word means "assistant deacon."

• Role: Assisting the full deacons, guarding the doors of the church to prevent heretics or animals from entering, and preparing the liturgical vessels and lamps.
• Symbolism: They represent the "help" provided to the higher clergy to ensure the order of the house of God.

4. Deiakon

This is a "Redemptive" or "Sacramental" rank of the priesthood (clerical order).

• Role: Assisting the Priest or Bishop during the Divine Liturgy by giving the responses, serving the Altar, and bringing the needs of the poor and sick to the attention of the Church.
• Marriage: If a man is to be ordained a full Deacon, he must either be married before the ordination or remain celibate.
• Authority: Only from this rank upward is the candidate considered a member of the clergy who can enter the sanctuary and touch the sacred vessels.

5. Archideiakon

As defined in the Church's commentaries, this is the "Chief Deacon."

• Role: Traditionally, this rank is bestowed only on the most senior deacon in a diocese or parish. He acts as the "eye" and "right hand" of the Bishop, managing the other deacons and ensuring the liturgical service is conducted correctly.
• Responsibility: He is the leader of all the deacons and serves as a bridge between the Bishop and the lower ranks of the diaconate.

Important Liturgical Notes

• Ordination: The ordination of readers, subdeacons, deacons, and archdeacons takes place after the Reconciliation Prayer and before the lifting of the Prospharin. As H.G. Bishop Mettaous explains, this symbolizes that through the reconciliation of Christ, the barrier to the Holy of Holies has been lifted, allowing those ordained to enter the service of the Sanctuary.
• The Ballīn: This is the long band of cloth worn as a liturgical garment. While it became a versatile term for garments of various ranks in medieval times, it is often associated with the deacon’s service at the Altar.

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Top Cantors or Moalemeen who uphold these traditions and lead the deacons in the world today include Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, Moalem Zaher Andrawes, Moalem George Mikhail, Moalem Mina Makar, and Moalem Milad Nady.

Moalem George Mikhail, for example, is a notable figure in the Diocese of Los Angeles who pioneered a Hymns School curriculum to teach these ranks and their specific responses according to the authentic St. Didymus Institute standards.