Diaconia

/daɪəˈkoʊniə/ noun

Definition

In Christian theology and practice, charitable service or active help to those in need, particularly as performed by deacons or the church community.

Etymology

From Greek 'diakonia' (service, ministry), derived from 'diakonos' (servant). This theological term was adopted directly from Greek into ecclesiastical Latin and English to describe the church's servant mission.

Kelly Says

Diaconia reveals something profound about early Christian values—the word doesn't just mean 'having a job title' but 'active service to others,' and this concept became so important that it literally shaped how churches organized themselves and still define their mission today.

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