diaconate

That system was adopted probably about the middle of the 3rd century, but in Rome the diaconate probably remained centralized.

The diaconate, the presbyter, priest or elder, and the επισκοπος or bishop.

It might well be made a text-book for candidates for the diaconate, or at least in theological colleges.

Leontius intended his diaconate to be a means of propagating Arianism.