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archdeacon

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archdeacon

Originally an ordained dignitary of the Christian church charged with the supervision of the deacons attached to a cathedral. Today in the Roman Catholic Church the office is purely titular; in the Anglican Church an archdeacon, directly subordinate to the bishop, still has many business duties, such as the periodic inspection of churches. The office is not found in other Protestant churches.

In the 5th century archdeacons rose from being mere bishops' assistants, and took upon themselves some of a bishop's powers and privileges. Gradually they acquired a recognized position apart from the bishop, and claimed a jurisdiction to themselves. In the 13th century protests from several synods were successful in securing a curtailment of their powers by episcopal courts.
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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
The priest whitewashes them, the archdeacon scrapes them down; then the populace arrives and demolishes them.
Notre-Dame de Paris by Hugo, Victor View in context
Testimonials representing Mrs General as a prodigy of piety, learning, virtue, and gentility, were lavishly contributed from influential quarters; and one venerable archdeacon even shed tears in recording his testimony to her perfections
Little Dorrit by Dickens, Charles View in context
It was united by long tradition to the Cathedral: its headmaster was an honorary Canon, and a past headmaster was the Archdeacon.
Of Human Bondage by Maugham, W. Somerset View in context
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