Ormond Plater, a deacon in The Episcopal Church, was something of a pioneer for the diaconate and his book ‘Many Servants: an Introduction to Deacons’ (Cowley Press) is described as being ‘clear, readable and well-researched’ and has become a classic in diaconal literature.
Plater produced a ‘Calendar of Deacon Saints’ . In his introduction he describes his method of choice:
My process of canonization is simple. I am a committee of one and make decisions rapidly. If you’re a dead deacon, of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, you’re eligible.
Not quite the usual method! – but Plater has done us all a great service in pinpointing men and women across the ages who lived out their lives as deacons in the service of God and of the needy. Please follow the link below to access the Calendar.
((Title image: Fresco in the Niccoline Chapel by Fra Angelico, depicting Saint Peter consecrating the Seven Deacons. Saint Stephen is shown kneeling. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons))
Plater died in 2016.
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 