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For formal occasions (for example, in the heading of a letter or when introducing a speaker), one would politely address or refer to a deacon as “The "The Rev. Deacon [John Smith]." ''Deacon'' is often [[Abbreviations|abbreviated]] ''Dcn.'' or ''Dn.'' In informal settings, for example, in normal conversation, it is appropriate to simply refer to a deacon as "Deacon [John]." Note that in some traditions, however, it is common to refer to deacons as "Father"—for instance, "Father Deacon [John]" or even "Father [John]" and not "Rev Deacon [John Smith]". Deacons cannot bless, so it is '''inappropriate''' to ask a deacon for his blessing or to kiss his hand. Blessings are given by bishops and priests, so these expressions of honor are reserved for them alone. == Deacon's Vestments ==The vestments of the deacon are the [[sticharion]], the [[orarion]], and the [[epimanikia]].  All three degrees of major clergy wear the sticharion. The sticharion is a long-sleeved tunic that reaches all the way to the ground. It reminds the wearer that the [[grace]] of the Holy Spirit covers him as with a garment of salvation and joy. For deacons, the sticharion has wide sleeves and is made of a heavier fabric than that of the priest and bishop, who wear their sticharia under other vestments. The second part of a deacon’s vestments is the orarion. The orarion is a narrow band of material that the deacon wears wrapped around his body and draped over his left shoulder. It represents the grace of the Holy Spirit that in ordination anoints the deacon like oil. It is the principal vestment of the deacon and without it he cannot serve. When the deacon leads the people in prayers or invites them to attention he holds one end of his orarion in his right hand and raises it. The priest’s [[epitrachelion]] and the bishop’s [[omophorion]] are specialized types of the orarion. The final parts of a deacon’s vestments are the epimanikia. The epimanikia are cuffs that are worn around the wrists, tied by a long cord. These are also worn by the bishop and priest. They serve the practical purpose of keeping the inner garments out of the way during the services. They also remind the wearer that he serves not by his own strength but with the help of God. Before the deacon can don any of his vestments, he must first receive the blessing of the bishop or priest with whom he is serving. ==See Also==* [[Deaconess]]* [[Diakonissa]] == External Links ==*[http://www.deacon.ru/ The Ministry of Deacon] (in Russian)*[http://www.orthodox.net/ustav/bulgakov-deacon.html The Deacon] (from the Bulgakov handbook) [[Category:Clergy]]