is an ecclesiastical term applied to the execution of the duties of the ministry. In the Episcopal Church the term is used to imply, not the persons who are intrusted with official power, nor the office itself, but the exercise and fulfilment of the functions of the office. In the Form- for the Ordering of Deacons are these words: "Almighty God, who didst inspire thine apostles to choose into the order of deacons the first martyr, Stephen, and others, mercifully behold these thy servants now called to the like office and administration," etc.