Facing archdeacon, counterpart appearing powerless (6)
I believe the answer is:
veneer
'facing' is the definition.
('veneer' can be a synonym of 'facing')
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
(Other definitions for veneer that I've seen before include "Evener (anag.)" , "Decorative surface layer" , "Thin wood facade" , "A thin outer layer" , "False front" .)