The Order of Deacons in Early Irish Canonical Sources: A Contribution to Understanding the Evolution of a ‘Major Orders’ in the Western Church

Abstract

At a time when we are asked to investigate the origins of the diaconate, this paper argues that it is no easy task to recover its history nor relate that history to later questions on the nature of ordination. However, early canonical sources do throw important light on that history, and the case examined here is that of the Collectio canonum hibernensis and texts related to it. This later seventh- and early eighth-century material shows that while the diaconate was recognized as one of the sacred orders, it was, in effect, seen primarily as a function within the liturgy.