The OCA

[Joshua F]

The most salient point from the previous discussion on deaconesses seems to be that they did not have the laying on of hands, and were considered laity rather than clergy.

[Anastasios]

Joshua,

Actually they did have the rite of laying on of hands (at the alter, vested and receiving an orarion) but the prayers differed.

here is one of the most scholarly works on the subject:

Deaconesses: An Historical Study by Aime Georges Martimort

Deacon Nikolai,

Just because something is a discarded tradition does not mean it shouldn't be brought back. Some things come and go. I think if there is a reason to bring back deaconesses, say for female monasteries or for taking communion to sick women, then fine, but certainly not if the goal is simply to "find a way for women to be involved in liturgy" at any cost.

Anastasios

[TomS]

... but certainly not if the goal is simply to "find a way for women to be involved in liturgy" at any cost.

Why would that be wrong? The status of woman in society has changed drastically since Byzantium. Why would it be wrong to find a way for them to participate more fully?

[尼古拉前执事]

... but certainly not if the goal is simply to "find a way for women to be involved in liturgy" at any cost.

Why would that be wrong? The status of woman in society has changed drastically since Byzantium. Why would it be wrong to find a way for them to participate more fully?

Church does not mirror society. In a perfect society, society mirrors the Church. "Be not of the world" and all of that.

[尼古拉前执事]

Just because something is a discarded tradition does not mean it shouldn't be brought back

When things go away they are for a reason, but I was saying that this is an argument that mirrors Romiosini's argument for not having Western Rite Orthodox churches.

[Anastasios]

... but certainly not if the goal is simply to "find a way for women to be involved in liturgy" at any cost.

Why would that be wrong? The status of woman in society has changed drastically since Byzantium. Why would it be wrong to find a way for them to participate more fully?

Notice how I said, "at any cost."

I am not against finding legit ways to have women more active. I would like to see more female theologians, female lecturers, female administrators, etc. But we can't compromise the Church to find these solutions.

Anastasios

[OrthodoxyOrDeath]

Why would that be wrong? The status of woman in society has changed drastically since Byzantium. Why would it be wrong to find a way for them to participate more fully?

As if it was to say that they have somehow been maltreated and ignored in the Church all these centuries Tom? Has the Church denied woman proper opportunities to participate? My goodness.

The Church has always implored woman to participate according to the Will of God in Christian life "more fully" from the very beginning. Unfortunatley, many woman today see participation as an engineered social question and not a spiritual one.

Christ wants followers like St. Mary of Egypt and not the "you've come along way baby" Virgina Slims type.