Abstract
Deaconesses in the Orthodox Church
Protopresbyter Youhanna Badour
This research addresses the topic of deaconesses in the Orthodox Church. The study’s formulation and methodology are based on the teachings of the Bible in both Testaments, early Christian sources, as well as laws from ecumenical and local councils and the canons of Saint Basil the Great. It begins by discussing how the priesthood is consecrated to men, excluding women. Then, drawing on Christian sources, it examines the categories of widows and deaconesses in the early Church. The discussion on widows is more concise, providing just enough to give a clear idea of their role. In contrast, the research deals widely with the category of deaconesses and their presence in the Church, detailing the nature of their service, particularly in caring for women in various specific circumstances. It then addresses the issue of their ordination and consecration to clarify whether it was through ordination or laying on of hands. The study continues to discuss their presence in subsequent centuries and how it nearly vanished. Finally, the research reaches its conclusion in the closing remarks.
Keywords: Deaconesses, Widows, Priesthood, Laying on of hands, Ordination, Canons, Teachings, Ecumenical Council.
