Deacon Nikolai wrote:But what we have to look at is why deaconesses were retired. If there is a Orthodox Theological need in a convent then I have no problem with it. If it is done for novelty's sake or for the cause of feminism, as it appears was done with the female Reader in the in GOA, then I am not.
I also have no issue with the Gospel being read in the vernacular.
Oh of course! I agree with you Father Nicholas! No doubt about it.
Deacon Nikolai wrote:But what we have to look at is why deaconesses were retired. If there is a Orthodox Theological need in a convent then I have no problem with it. If it is done for novelty's sake or for the cause of feminism, as it appears was done with the female Reader in the in GOA, then I am not.
I also have no issue with the Gospel being read in the vernacular.
I do not agree with this. What is wrong with doing something so that ALL people in the Church feel as included as possible? Escpecially if there is nothing in the Canons forbidding it.
----------------------------------------------------
They say that I am bad news. They say "Stay Away."
According to "Hapgood's", 1996, 7th Edition, Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese...and endorsed on 21 November 1921, No. 793, by New Martyr Patriarch Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, the following are a verbatim quotes:
Page 308,
"OFFICE OF SETTING APART READERS AND CHANTERS",
QUOTE from the Tonsuring Bishop:
"My son(s), the first degree in the Priesthood is that of Reader."
Page 309,
"THE MANNER OF ORDAINING SUB-DEACONS",
QUOTES from the Bishop:
"...Do Thou, the same Lord, preserve him uncondemned in all things."
"...And grant that he may love the beauty of Thy house..."
"...And plant him in Thy holy Church..."
"...And make him Thy perfect servant...", "...that he may receive..."
Page 312,
"THE FORM USED AT THE ORDINATION OF A DEACON",
QUOTES from the Ordaining Bishop:
"... Do Thou, the same Sovereign Master, preserve also this man..."
"...Vouchsafe unto him the grace..."; "...and make him worthy to administer..."
"...And manifest him as wholly Thy servant."
also on page 313,
The Ordaining Bishop prays:
"...That he being devoid of all sin..."
+++
It appears painfully obvious that there are not enough available, worthy, men who are willing to devote themselves to the service of God at His Most Holy Altar through the service of Deacon.
"That" is a most terrible shame!
John
