"The deacon program is important to the Church for many reasons. The deacons represent a great and visible sign of the working of the Holy Spirit through a life of service in the Church. In the Archeparchy, the diaconate is largely a parish-based ministry but with a challenge to broaden its services. Deacons are critical to the life of the Church and the Archeparchy as they enhance the liturgical services and provide additional ministries such as visiting the sick and elderly, assisting in sacramental preparation, and helping other parish ministries."

-- from the Byzantine Catholic World, Jan 26 & Feb 9, 2003, page 5