Women Deacons in the Orthodox Church: Called to Holiness and Ministry

Rating:
Summary: "...This book is a must read."
Review: ...Little known marvels constantly surprise the reader, particularly the Orthodox Christian reader, who is generally ignorant of the glorious history of women in the diaconate. The author traces this office from rudimentary New Testament roots through the height of its popularity in Byzantium and its eventual decline, though not final demise. Indeed, Dr. FitzGerald bids the reader to peruse twentieth century documents and debates relating to the female diaconate and welcomes her audience into a world heretofore pondered by select contemporary historians and theologians.

...The author also makes a sound case for the fact that women were 'ordained' rather than 'appointed' to the diaconate. Citing the work of two highly respected and dedicated Orthodox theologians, Professors John Karmiris and Evangelos Theodorou, both of the University of Athens, the author fairly debates the point. Her evidence highly suggests that at least the Byzantine ordination rite for women had essential characteristics which distinguished it as a major order. For example the formula "The Divine Grace..." was used; the ordination took place at the altar during the Eucharist [the same time as the male deacon]; and the deaconess received her stole and Holy Communion at the altar....

...This book is a must read...The dignity and grace and direction it affords a Christian woman can only be welcomed. The author's ecclesial concerns, which are related to the female diaconate but extend to the issues of the diaconate and ordination generally, are handled with patience, refinement, gentleness, and intelligence. Certainly any author who garners the privilege of having both the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Patriarch of Antioch write a cover endorsement deserves attention. Thank you, Dr. FitzGerald for your twenty years of labor. "Axios".

Deborah Malacky Belonick

(These are excerpts taken from a more extensive review which will be published in "The St. Nina Quaterly".)

Rating:
Summary: A Necessary Resource for Christian Ministries
Review: In recent years, I have been doing a little research on the topic of men's and women's ministry in the ancient and contemporary Church. While there may still be not enough compelling evidence for the ordination of women as priests, Dr. FitzGerald avails her readers to evidence from liturgical, hagiographical, canonical, historical and theological resources regarding the ministry of women deacons ("deaconesses").

She brings together all of this information in English for the first time from the (frequently overlooked) perspective of eastern Christian theology and spirituality. Many important theological and historical concerns are examined regarding the ordination of women to ministry. There is also a detailed theological analysis of the beautiful ordination rite and prayers. This section in particular, while thoughtful and scholarly, is uplifting and reflects "catholic consciousness". Western Christians still have much to learn from the East!

A number of women deacon saints are identified, as well as their life stories. The book has cover endorsements from two Orthodox patriarchs and has received much scholarly praise from Catholics, Orthodox and others. It is written so that the well-read general reader will also appreciate this study.

This book must be taken seriously by anyone interested in the vocations of men and women, the history of women's ministry and the theology of ordination and ministry.

"Women Deacons in the Orthodox Church" should become a "basic text" serving Catholic and Orthodox male and female candidates for ordained ministry!

Rating:
Summary: "..Significant and thought provoking...worthy of attention."
Review: This is a significant and thought provoking study which will contribute positively towards the future of our Church...Many issues regarding the participation of women in the life of the Church have been addressed by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Antioch...This study is worthy of attention and appreciation."

Ignatius IV, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East

(The above comments are taken from the cover endorsement of this book.)