History of the diaconate
"Ignatius of Antioch is quite clear and categorical about the role of all clergy, including deacons, for the very “constitution” of the Church: “Without these [the bishop, presbyters and deacons],” he writes, “it [the community] cannot be called a church.” Deacons are not simply ornamental (of the bene esse) but essential (of the esse) for the Church.”
Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis in address to the Antiochian Archdiocese Clergy Symposium