Concerning DeaconessesThis month we continue our series on Holy Orders and other ministries in the Church with the office of Deaconess.The office of Deaconess arose in the third century as the Church’s response to pastoral need (though even then the office was never universal in the early Church). In those days, women were more segregated in public than they are now, and this meant that deacons could not perform some ministries involving women. For example, the pre-baptismal anointing of women candidates (involving anointing their naked bodies in the baptismal font), or visiting sick women (involving often caring for them in their beds) could not decently be done by men. In such pastoral situations, the Church would send a deaconess. With the decline of adult baptism (most adults in the Roman Empire had already been converted), and the rise of female monasticism, the office began to decline, and has not existed for many years.
Though sometimes called “woman deacons” in the early texts, these women were not simply deacons who happened to be female. Unlike the deacons, the deaconesses had no liturgical function, and they did not assist in administering Holy Communion as the deacons did. Furthermore, though deaconesses were ordained at the altar, and were given the Chalice to hold, as well as the
orar-stole vestment to wear at their ordination, their ordination was entirely different from the deacons’. In the ordination prayer for deacons, the example of Stephen is cited; whereas for deaconesses, the example cited is Phoebe. Further, Church order did not group deaconesses with the deacons, but in a class by themselves. And though deacons could be ordained from the age of 25, the minimum age for the deaconess (who must be celibate) is set by the Quinisext Council in 692 A.D. at 40 (canon 14).
This distinction between deaconesses and deacons is important, because there are some today who advocate the ordination of women as priests and deacons, and who assert (wrongly) that the early Church ordained women as deacons. This is untrue. Deaconesses were an entirely different order.
Should the order enjoy large-scale restoration today? (The Church of Greece has already taken the initial steps, though in a very limited and restricted way.) This is a very controversial and complex question. Certainly the pastoral need exists for a uniquely female ministry (one can think of rape crisis counselling and other situations where the presence of a woman is necessary). But in restoring the order, care must be taken to preserve its historic characteristics, and not make it a kind of
de facto female priesthood.
—Fr. LawrenceWelcome back to the Rigden-Briscalls! Having returned from St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York, Fr. Christopher has been attached to St. Herman’s Church for the time being by Bishop Seraphim to serve as third priest here. We wish him and his family every blessing as they settle in to the lower mainland.
SUMMER CHANGESWe are blessed to have
Father Justin assigned to the parish as second priest, and
Father Christopher attached as third priest at this time.
Fr. Lawrence and Fr. Justin will both be attending the All-American Council in Toronto from
July 14th, along with our lay delegate,
Vivian Hartley. In their absence, Fr. Christopher will serve
Saturday Vespers and Sunday liturgy as usual, and attend pastoral emergencies; he can be contacted at
(604) 309-6871.
However, there will be
NO Wednesday service or study on July 20th and 27th.
Fr. Lawrence will go on vacation immediately following the AAC, but
Fr. Justin will return to the parish
July 24. For pastoral matters he can be reached at
(604) 541-7343 until Fr. Lawrence returns at the end of the month.
Finally, parents please note that throughout the summer, Maria Campbell's Sunday School class for older children will continue at the usual time before Liturgy each Sunday. Everyone else is encouraged to attend the reading of the hours as a time of quiet preparation for eucharistic worship.
Fasting Rules for July 2005Wednesday and Friday fasting as usual this month—no meat, fish, eggs or dairy, wine or olive oil, but on the following dates fish, wine and oil are permitted:
Fri. July 15—St. Vladimir, Equal to the Apostles
Wed. July 20—St. Elias the Prophet
Summer Employment Opportunity: Decks A-Wash (yacht detailing company) is looking for a hardworking student or two for full time summer help. $12/hour Speak to Kimberley for more details. (604) 730 9945
Shared Accommodation in Vancouver: One bedroom available for July 1st $400+. Speak to Kimberley for more info. (604) 730 9945
COMING TO CONFESSIONWe now have three priests in the parish, and you can come to any of them for confession. Though fast periods are especially appropriate, you may come to confession at any season. The preferred times are:
- Before Saturday vespers
- After Saturday vespers
- Before Wednesday vespers
- After Wednesday vespers
Sundays or evening liturgies are not suitable times, either before or after the service, as this interferes with preparation for worship and community fellowship; so if you cannot come to vespers, please call one of the priests for an appointment at another time.
Coming soon—get tickets now!
ST. ARSENY CAMP FUNDRAISER!
Benefit Concert
& Silent Auction
Friday August 5th 7 pm
Holy Resurrection Church
75 East 43rd Ave. & Quebec
Tickets $15
from Kimberley Francis
St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church
