Orthodox theologian outlines use of deaconesses in church history

Published: 2006-01-24

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The order of ordained women deacons "never totally disappeared in the life of the Orthodox churches" and there are strong signs of a desire to renew it, an Orthodox theologian told a largely Catholic gathering Jan. 20. Theologian Kyriaki Karidoyanes FitzGerald, who is also a licensed psychologist, outlined the history and Orthodox theology and practice regarding deaconesses in the 2006 Isaac Hecker Lecture at St. Paul's College in Washington. The lecture series is named after the founder of the Paulist religious order. FitzGerald, author of the 1998 book "Women Deacons in the Orthodox Church: Called to Holiness and Ministry," said Orthodox perspectives on deaconesses "are important to Catholics, as Catholicism not only recognizes the validity of Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox sacraments (but) the Orthodox Church is also considered as a 'sister church' by Rome."

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