The practice of living the life in Christ: fasting, vigil lamps, head-coverings, family life, icon corners, and other forms of Orthopraxy. All Forum Rules apply. No polemics. No heated discussions. No name-calling.
WOMEN IN THE CHURCH: SOME CURRENT ISSUES IN PERSPECTIVE
BISHOP CHRYSOSTOMOS OF OREOI
(now Archbishop Chrysostomos of Etna)
Published in The Greek Orthodox Theological Review, Vol. 34, No. 2 (1989)
Dr. Harrison's study begins by noting that the six problems
which she classifies constitute an impediment to women who might
wish to enter the Orthodox Church and, for both potential converts
and women already in the Church, sometimes occasional "mental anguish"
and "spiritual crisis." [2] One must appreciate these matters from a pastoral
standpoint. But they are just that: "pastoral." We must not go "beyond" them.
The ultimate concern in understanding the role of women in the Orthodox
Church is theological. Women enter into the Church for a single purpose:
that of joining themselves to the salvific life of its Mysteries. Any
human being, man or woman, must focus, above all things, as
Father John Romanides has so strikingly noted, on the Christian's
constant, two-sided struggle against evil and for selfless love, in
the course of which we are joined to Christ and to his triumphant
renewal of the human soul and psyche. [3] This applies both to men
and women in the Church and to those about to enter it.
This article by Archbishop Chrysostomos of the Synod in Resistance is worth reading as it counters the liberal feminist agenda, which often pits women against men and vice versa.
Verna Harrison, “Reflections and Concerns on Women’s Role[s] in Orthodox Churches,” Sourozh 33 (1988) 43-49; reprinted from The Orthodox Church (Nov. 1987) 6-8.
I find the point of view alien from the phronema of Orthodoxy.
There is nothing problematic about the treatment of women in the Orthodox Church. We are treated as we should be, so are men.
Her analyasis lacks the essential elemnets of repentance and humility, which we all should strive for as members of The Church.
My two cents.
I'll say it in the vernacular : this approach smacks of modern day "cool" research.
How many papers are titled "the Role of Women in...."
This topic is a sure ticket to instant success from the point of view of publishers, who imagine that
today's women will snap up anything titled that.
In short, the approach is a thinly disguised feminism intruding into Orthodoxy [in MY opinion ].
Besides, note the name of the journal !
Sourozh ??? That's asking for trouble from the point of view of Traditional and True Orthodox readers !
Further, I am not keen on Archbishop Chrysostomos' approving mention of Fr John Romanides.
