Deaconesses for the Orthodox Church Today
By Sister Cecelia
A Symposium, “Deaconesses
for the Orthodox Church Today,” took place on November 10-12 at the Hellenic
College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Boston. Sisters Rebecca
and Cecelia attended to show their support and to help celebrate the 10th anniversary
of the St. Phoebe Center for the Deaconess, which sponsored the symposium.
There have been many calls
through the years, as far back as 1855, to reinstate the ordained ministry of the
order of deaconesses. Much research and many writings have been devoted to this
matter, but, unfortunately, little has happened. The ordained female deaconate
is part of the history of the Orthodox Church. In antiquity the deaconess ministered to women, much as the male
deacon ministered to men. She assisted
with baptisms, took the Eucharist to those unable to attend liturgy, mediated
between the faithful and the clergy, and taught, counseled, and guided the
faithful on their Christian journey, especially those new to the faith. Many people believe that this ministry is
still needed today more than ever.
Carrie Frederick Frost introducing the proposed Guidelines document for the revival of the female diaconate
To move forward, we need to understand what has happened in the past and why. During four major panel discussions, numerous expert historians gave accounts of what happened through the centuries and what may have caused the cessation of this service in the church. Although many can see the real need for this ministry, there continue to be roadblocks that keep the church from acting. The presenters emphasized that this is not a power grab but an effort to be more useful in the ministry of Christ.
One of the fact-finders reported that of recent converts to the Orthodox Church, 75% are men. Why not 50/50? What could be the reasons for that percentage? What can women do in service, in ministering to the people? Women already do many things that deaconesses would be called to do. However, some of these things might be done more effectively if they are known to be blessed by the church. How many of the so-called rules that prevent the ordination of deaconesses represent a long-standing misogyny,* which women in this century see as not right?
Ioana Popa and panel members speaking on the Calls for Deaconesses and Women’s Ministry in the Church
One of the panel
discussions was on myth-busting. Fifteen of the more popular myths about
ordaining women to the diaconate were once again debunked. Disregarding these
myths would be a big leap forward in removing some (maybe most) of the
roadblocks that make our bishops cautious about ordaining deaconesses again.
Moving forward requires
an action plan. What are the works that deacons do? Liturgical service, for
sure, but perhaps they could do more if trained to do so. Women have already been
catechists, church treasurers, theologians, and chanters. They can visit the
sick and imprisoned, help widows and orphans, and anoint the infirm and dying
if blessed to do so.
The conference also called
for a more permanent diaconate for both men and women. A proposal for the
education and training for those put forth to become deacons and deaconess is
needed. Some work has been done, but the ideas can be enhanced. Since fear of
division is one of the roadblocks, a survey could be made of the Orthodox
faithful nationwide about their understanding of the reinstatement of deaconesses,
as well as why they would be in favor of it or not in favor, and why. Perhaps such
a survey would find out what questions need to be answered.
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| Group discussion led by Teva Regule |
In the past 100 years, a few women have been set aside as deaconesses. Deaconesses were ordained in the early 20th century by Bishop Nektarios in Greece. More recently, in 2017, Metropolitan Theodoros II of the Alexandrian Patriarchate consecrated several deaconess in the Congo and in Sierra Leone in order to meet the local pastoral needs of women and men in much of Africa.
A lot was packed into these days and hopefully
will be followed up in the days and years to come. Depending on the needs in
the many varied parishes and localities, the work of each will be different.
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| Group photo of symposium attendees |
The St. Phoebe Center suggested a proposed pilot program for ordaining deaconesses once again. It is outlined below.
▪ A local
church, likely a synod of bishops, appoints a Deaconess Revival Commission
consisting of clergy and laity, men and women, to identify and evaluate five to
eight Orthodox Christian women of excellent diaconal character who have the
theological training and eligibility as outlined in this document, and who are
within parishes that are understood to be ready to receive the gifts of these
women in ordained ministry.
▪ If the
identified women do not have a theological degree or if additional training is
deemed necessary, they enter diaconate training in approved and accredited
Orthodox programs/institutions of theological education.
▪ These
women form a peer group for mutual support and encouragement.
▪ The
parishes of these future deaconesses receive continuous education, training,
and support in order to best support and develop their work over time.
▪ The deaconesses wear the same liturgical
vestments as deacons, which is faithful to the history of the order. The
Deaconess Revival Commission will present options for the nonmonastic deaconesses’
public, non-liturgical attire to the local church for approval.
▪ Each
bishop reviews and evaluates the candidates for ordination.
▪ Worthy
candidates are ordained to the order of deaconesses, all within the same time
frame.
▪ Each
deaconess works with her local clergy in partnership to best minister to the
needs of the faithful.
▪ A channel
of communication is established between deaconesses and their bishops, for
accountability and concerns.
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Mark your calendars
for a Zoom event about the “Proposed Guidelines” on January 11, 2024, at 7pm
eastern if you would like to know more. |
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If anyone would like to
read more, recordings from the keynote and sessions will soon be
available on the St Phoebe YouTube Channel.
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