Deaconesses

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Angelic Molen of Zimbabwe was ordained a deaconess in the Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and of All Africa, a part of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Orthodox Church ordains female deacon 

May 9, 2024

By Martin Barillas

The Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa ordained Zimbabwean Angelic Molen as a deaconess in the Orthodox Church. Read more

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston ordains deacons in St. Peter's Basilica, Sept. 29, 2016.

Two-thirds of US bishops do not believe women should be ordained deacons

Jan 24, 2019

A survey of bishops in the US released this week found that among respondents, 41 percent believe it theoretically possible... Read more

Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna speaks at the Holy See press office, April 8, 2016.

For Austrian cardinal, female deacons an 'open question'

Sep 29, 2018

Cardinal Christoph Schönborn has said that in his view, whether the Church could ordain women as deacons remains an “open... Read more

Pope Francis gives an address during Divine Liturgy in Etchmiadzin Armenia, June 26, 2016.

Pope creates commission to study women deacons

Aug 2, 2016

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis has instituted a new commission for the study of women deacons, the Vatican announced Tuesday.  Read more

Pope Francis addreses members of Caritas from Italian dioceses in the Vatican' Paul VI Hall, April 21, 2016.

Pope Francis says he's open to studying the female diaconate

May 12, 2016

By Elise Harris

On Thursday Pope Francis said he would be open to the idea of forming a commission to study the historical... Read more