Are there any deaconesses in True Orthodoxy?
Deaconesses in True Orthoodxy?
- Maria
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Re: Deaconesses in True Orthoodxy?
Excellent question, Justice.
St. Nectarios of Aegina (+1920), who was the spiritual father to St. Matthew the New Confessor of Greece, did consecrate several of his nuns to the diaconate. However, it was not the same ordination service as that given to men who are ordained to the diaconate. The nuns cleaned the altar, made liturgical vestments, and took care of the chapel.
In the early church, women deaconnesses were consecrated widows or nuns who had offered their vows to the Lord. They would assist at the Baptism of women to help protect their chastity as when emerging from the water, their wet clothes revealed the form of their body. They would also bring Holy Communion to sick women so that priests would not be tempted.
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.