ROLE OF THE DEACONESSES IN THE ANCIENT TRADITION OF THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Keywords:
Cheirotonia, Cheirotesia, Cappadocia, Deaconesses, Liturgical MinistryAbstract
The problem of deaconesses in the history of the Church has aroused much interest for theologians and researchers over time, regardless of denomination or spiritual guidance. The terminological confusion between cheirotenia and cheirotesia in the early Church has brought a confusion regarding their status within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Although there are conflicting views on their liturgical role, we argue that the status of deacons were different from the deaconesses; their responsibilities being rather in the social area and catecheticalpastoral activities, especially among women.
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