Deacons Leader Guidelines Lead Deacon (Leader 1) – Role Description & Ministry Guidelines Purpose The Lead Deacon’s primary responsibility is to lead the south side deacons reverently, with confidence, and and in a prayerful manner throughout the Divine Liturgy, helping the congregation pray in unity and order. Responsibilities Lead the South Side Deacons Lead the deacons throughout the entire Divine Liturgy. Encourage the deacons to participate actively and confidently in chanting. Maintain unity in rhythm, pitch, and pace. Be Well Prepared The Leader should be able to chant the hymns of the Liturgical Services confidently and accurately. Arrive on time to the Liturgical Services Vespers Praises (Saturday Night) Morning Praises (Sunday Morning) The following hymns are considered standard and should be chanted regularly on weekends: Medium Hiten Praxis Response for St. Rebekah Psalm 150 (Pi O Oufa) Pi Oik Tenouweh Ensok Lead with a Strong Voice Chant and read with a clear, strong, and confident voice. The microphone should be used primarily to establish the pace and pitch of the hymn and encourage the congregation and deacons to join. It is not necessary to remain on the microphone throughout the entire hymn. Use wisdom and discretion in microphone usage Spiritual Conduct Lead Through Prayer Your first responsibility is to pray. Lead the deacons while maintaining a spirit of worship. Never allow administrative responsibilities to distract you from prayer. Avoid Unnecessary Distractions While leading, avoid becoming preoccupied with: Distributing microphones. Distributing cymbals or triangle. Operating a separate iPad or searching for hymns unnecessarily. Changing microphone batteries. Remember that there are other deacons available to assist with these responsibilities. Distribution Guidelines: Distribute Wisely Distribution should prioritize the quality of the prayer—not to “give everyone a chance.” When assigning hymns, choose individuals who: Have a developed and confident voice. Can maintain the correct pitch. Know the hymn well. Can lead others effectively. Common areas of distribution include: Distribution Melodies Doxologies Praises Veneration Other appropriate hymns as needed Cymbals and the triangle should only be given to individuals who: Can maintain the proper rhythm and pace. Are able to sing and play simultaneously. Help the congregation pray rather than creating confusion. Give feedback Someone plays the cymbals too slow, too fast, too loud, etc. Leadership Principles (Be an Example) Lead by example with humility and reverence. Be attentive to the altar and the flow of the liturgy. Encourage participation without drawing attention to yourself. Delegate appropriately and trust other capable deacons to assist. Always remember that the goal is not performance, but leading the congregation in prayer. Dress appropriately (collared shirt) Leader 2 (Sunday) - Role Description & Ministry Guidelines Purpose The main role of the Leader 2 is to lead the north side deacons with confidence and in a reverent and prayerful manner throughout the Divine Liturgy, helping the children and north side deacons pray in unity and order Responsibilities Lead the North Side Deacons Lead the deacons throughout the entire Divine Liturgy. Encourage the deacons to participate actively and confidently in chanting. Maintain unity in rhythm, pitch, and pace. Face the East when leading Don't stack the pews 8 deacons in first row 7 maximum in other rows Be Well Prepared Arrive on time Lead with a Strong Voice Chant and read with a clear, strong, and confident voice. Don’t just sing in the microphone—encourage the children to sing  Watch the Leader 1 and South Side deacons Leader 1 wants to alternate Keep Order by Teaching Leader 2 is not a baby sitter Ex. If someone is sitting down, don’t yell at them to stand up, teach them why we should stand and sing Spiritual Conduct Lead through Prayer The most important responsibility is to pray Don’t allow administrative responsibilities distract you from prayer Avoid Unnecessary Distractions Leader 2 is NOT a baby sitter Do not focus too much on the children: Sitting Talking Moving around Distribution Guidelines Distribute Wisely Distribution should prioritize the quality of the prayer—not to “give everyone a chance.” When assigning hymns, choose individuals who: Have a developed and confident voice. Can maintain the correct pitch. Know the hymn well. Common areas of distribution include: Agpeya gospels and litanies Short Litanies during Vespers  Leadership Principles (Be an example) Lead by example with humility and reverence. Be attentive to the Leader 1, South Side deacons, and the flow of the liturgy. Encourage participation without drawing attention to yourself. Always remember that the goal is not order and discipline, but leading the children in prayer. Dress appropriately (collared shirt)