Why Does a Deacon Wear a Stole Across His Shoulder?

Michael Orange
Jun 20
2 min read

Many people ask: Why does the deacon wear his stole differently from the priest?

The answer is deep and beautiful. Not Power, But Service

The deacon is not ordained to lead the Church like a priest. He is ordained to serve, just like Jesus did. The word “deacon” comes from the Greek “diakonos” meaning “servant”. So, his vestment, especially the stole, must reflect that. While a priest wears his stole straight down on both shoulders, the deacon wears it from his left shoulder, across his chest, and ties it at the side.

But why? Every Part Has Meaning:

From the shoulder - because that’s where you carry a burden. The deacon carries the burden of the Gospel, of the poor, of the Church.

Across the chest - it crosses the heart. Because service must come from love. Without love, it’s just work.

Tied at the side - because he’s ready to serve. Like a servant rolling up their sleeves, the deacon is always ready.

The Stole Is a Cross - That stole, crossing from shoulder to side, is shaped like a cross. It reminds the deacon, and all of us, that to serve like Jesus is to carry a cross. It’s not about looking important. It’s about loving deeply, serving humbly, and giving joyfully.

The deacon wears what Christ wore:

A towel to wash feet.

A cross to save the world.

A Message Without Words

When you see a deacon in his stole, you’re seeing a message:

“I am here to serve, not to be served.”

“I carry Christ’s message, with love.”

“I stand between the altar and the street, to bring God to the people, and the people to God.”

The priest’s stole says: I lead you to the altar.

The deacon’s stole says: I walk with you to the streets.

It’s not just a cloth.

It’s a cross. It’s a calling.