Armendiener (in Dutch Armen-dienaar) was the title for a deacon used among the Mennonites of Europe everywhere. His duty was to look after the poor, neglected and afflicted within the congregation and where necessary to assist them with material goods. He was also in some regions the chairman of the congregational business meetings.

See Deacon, Diener der Notdurft, and Mutual Aid

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 158. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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