“Deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 3:8-13

The word deacon finds its origin in the Greek word diakonos (διάκονος), which can be translated as meaning “servant”. As the etymology of the word suggests, the deaconate has existed for many centuries and its origins can be traced back to the time of the apostles.

To be reverent implies a form of respect so deep-seated that it is shown through one’s actions. In the context of the Christian’s life, and in particular the deacon’s life, this calling is intended to be threefold. A deacon must not only be respectful towards God, but also to himself and to the congregation he serves; a deacon cannot serve faithfully without having reverence for all three. Through honor and worship, the deacon’s relationship with God grows to fruition, becoming a vessel to bring God’s Word to others. The deacon must not falter in his reverence for others, for all those whom he serves are born in God’s image and have a share in His kingdom. Being filled with God’s Word, the deacon must therefore conduct himself with the utmost respect for that which dwells within him. Indeed, this is the command given to all Christians when we are instructed to walk worthy of the calling with which we are called.

Praising is the work of the heavenly hosts, and the gift of God for the earthly, to commune with the angels in glorifying and thanking Him for His great works. The Coptic Church is dedicated to the development and preservation of these hymns for generations. At SMPK6, our Hymns Lessons Class Ministry reflects that of the church at large, enabling its participants to commune directly with God through praise & melody. The hymns classes begin at a young age to help instill the fervor for Coptic hymnology and are arranged for children and adults of all ages.

We are reminded by the edifying words of St. Ignatius of Antioch – “Your accord and harmonious love is a hymn to Jesus Christ in perfect harmony, and taking your pitch from God, you may sing in unison and in one voice to the Father through Jesus Christ.”