Rev.Deacon Danial Doss

Name: Rev. Deacon Danial Doss
Job: Deacon
Email: ddoss@stlukeorthodox.com

It is written in the Early Church canons that the deacon is the eye and the ear of the bishop. By no means, this is meant that the deacon is a spy; rather he is a helping agent to the Bishop. The deacon's role is to bring to the bishop's attention and to report to him the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the Christians. A deacon, as a Greek word means a servant. So, my main function in the Church is to serve God and His people, the parishioner, under the guidance of the priest, who functions as the representative of the bishop at the local parish. Deacons were ordained in the early Church, from the time of the Apostles, to serve the widows and the orphans. Later, this role has been expanded to teaching, preaching, evangelizing (see the role of Deacon Steven- Acts 6&7 and the work of Phillip in Acts 8). So, my role as a deacon is not limited to helping the priest (or the Bishop) during the Church Liturgical services, but also to serve God's people in every day's life. With the Bishop's, and the priest's blessings, I help at the University of Chicago OCF (Orthodox Church Fellowship) during the Thursday evening services and conduct a Bible study. Also I do visit the Orthodox patients at Oak Forest Hospital and nursing homes, and serve in any other function requested by the Bishop or the priest. Also, I am responsible for the St. Luke Church Resource Center (CRC), which provides the parishioners with selected books, videos, cassettes, icons, and other Orthodox Christian items.

Job Description

1. Deacons are assigned to the parish by the Bishop and are the Rector's assistants: therefore they are not part of the Parish Council. The Deacon's place in the community is one of humble "service to the least of her brothers and sisters". They may attend Council meetings and represent the rector when he is not able to attend. They may report on projects that have been assigned to them by the rector. They do not have a vote on council decisions.

2. Duties - with the knowledge and blessing of the Rector; Represent the parish at the Diocesan Assembly; Teach Bible studies and catechetical classes; Visit shut-ins, prisoners, and the sick; Assist when possible at all liturgical and sacramental functions; Help Rectors in other parishes with liturgical and sacramental functions; Be cognoscente of, church attendance and conduct and report when necessary; Be available for charitable outreach, mission and evangelism.