Written by Efi Efthimiou
The Patriarchate of Alexandria has issued a statement addressing the ordination of Deaconess Angeliki by Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe. The statement emphasizes the need for deaconesses in Africa, particularly for pastoral duties and baptism of adult women in conservative, male-dominated environments.
Historically, the Patriarchate has documented the role of deaconesses in the Church, catering to women excluded from active participation due to local conditions and customs.
The decision to revive the institution of deaconesses was taken by the Holy Synod but is still under examination to determine details regarding attire, ministry delivery, and liturgical role.
Metropolitan Seraphim proceeded with the ordination despite the ongoing examination by the Synod, leading to questions about the validity of the ordination.
The Church of Greece has previously discussed the role of deaconesses, concluding that it is at the discretion of the local bishop to ordain for specific monastery needs.
Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia clarified that the Orthodox tradition involves chirothesy for deaconesses and that the Church of Greece does not have a practice of deaconesses or distributing Holy Communion.
Opinion from Dimitrios Keramidas, Doctor of Theology
Dimitrios Keramidas stated that there is no inherent reason to exclude women from being ordained as bishops from a dogmatic perspective.
The ordination conducted by Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe has raised questions about the role of deaconesses in the Orthodox Church. While Deaconess Angeliki took on full diaconal responsibilities, it is clear that the ordination does not align with ancient Orthodoxy.
Keramidas emphasized that the Church’s “red line” is the ordination of women to the priesthood. While there is no explicit prohibition against it, there is also no inherent reason to exclude women from becoming bishops from a dogmatic perspective.
The Patriarchate of Alexandria recently issued a statement addressing the ordination of a deaconess by Metropolitan Seraphim. The statement clarified that the Church in Africa requires deaconesses for pastoral duties and the baptism of adult women, especially in situations where women face exclusion due to male-dominated environments.
The statement highlighted the historical role of deaconesses as assistants in pastoral, liturgical, and sanctifying tasks, rather than as ministers of the Holy Mysteries. The decision to revive the institution of deaconesses within the Patriarchate of Alexandria is still under examination by the Holy Synod.
While Metropolitan Seraphim proceeded with the ordination, the final decision on the matter is pending completion of the Synod’s examination. The Patriarchate of Alexandria urged confidence in the Church’s traditions and practices, emphasizing the importance of unity and sensitivity to issues affecting the African flock.
The statement concluded with a call for attention to important matters within the Church, including the selection of clergy, the advancement of Apostolic work in Africa, and the preservation of unity among the faithful. The Patriarchate of Alexandria expressed hope for the enlightenment of African brethren through the spread of the message of Christ.
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