The diaconate is the first order of ordained ministry in Anglicanism, historically associated with service — assisting at the Eucharist, reading the Gospel, and carrying out ministries of charity and care within a parish or diocese.
Some deacons are transitional: they serve as a deacon for a period, usually around a year, before being ordained priest. Others are vocational or “permanent” deacons, called specifically to a lifelong ministry of service rather than to the priesthood.