Women teaching

[Trudy]

This past weekend I had the privilege of attending the Women's Retreat at St. Tikhon's where Mother Christophora, Abbess of Holy Transfiguration Monastery spoke in the morning, as well as Mother Barbara in the afternoon.

During the morning session, two priests were present throughout. Bishop Tikhon was unable to stay beyond the opening due to needing to be present at a funeral.

During the afternoon session Bishop Tikhon was present throughout but the two priests left.

Bishop Tikhon and one priest (I think) attended lunch with us.

Does the Orthodox Church not permit women to teach unless a priest is present? There are many Protestant denominations that do not permit women to teach boys/men over the age of 13. I think they support this with scripture from Corinthians. I wasn't sure if we upheld the same, or similar belief.

If we do, could someone explain that to me?

Thank you,
Athanasia (Trudy)

[Father David Moser]

Does the Orthodox Church not permit women to teach unless a priest is present? There are many Protestant denominations that do not permit women to teach boys/men over the age of 13. I think they support this with scripture from Corinthians. I wasn't sure if we upheld the same, or similar belief.


The authority to teach in the Church rests solely with the Bishop. He can and does delegate that authority to those whom he deems able and worthy to teach. Usually priests are routinely given that responsibility at their ordination and others can be given a blessing to "teach" by the bishop. An abbess has not only the authority, but the duty, to teach her sisters and in many cases monastics of all kinds are frequently given a blessing to teach. In the end, though, it all goes back to the ruling bishop of a diocese as to who may teach in His diocese.

Fr David Moser

[Fr. Gregory (Hallam)]

To add to what Fr. David said ... St. Nina of Georgia converted a whole nation through her teaching. In many respects, the appreciation of women's teaching role in the Church is not as strong now as it used to be and arguably should be. To confuse preaching and teaching with the exclusively male sacramental episcopate and priesthood and not to understand how these ministries contribute together in complementary ways to the building up of the body of Christ is a perspective of heterodox traditions and should have no place amongst us.

[Trudy]

To confuse preaching and teaching with the exclusively male sacramental episcopate and priesthood and not to understand how these ministries contribute together in complementary ways to the building up of the body of Christ is a perspective of heterodox traditions and should have no place amongst us.

Dear Fr. David and Fr. Gregory,

Thank you for your explanations. I will assume, then, that the presence of the two priests and the Bishop was as a courtesy and not because of some misguided thinking that women cannot teach without being under the guidance/headship of a man.

I continue to be refreshed by so much of Orthodoxy. It's like drinking from a mountain stream. Clear, refreshing, and pure.

Sincerely,
Trudy (Athanasia)

[Father David Moser]

I will assume, then, that the presence of the two priests and the Bishop was as a courtesy and not because of some misguided thinking that women cannot teach without being under the guidance/headship of a man.


I personally would assume that they were there because they were interested in hearing what the Mothers had to say - just like everyone else there.

Fr David Moser

[Emmanuel]

Some of the most effective teachers of the faith have been women- even St. nektarios of aegina had a spiritual mother.

[Trudy]

Some of the most effective teachers of the faith have been women- even St. nektarios of aegina had a spiritual mother.

I didn't know that Emmanuel. Would you be able to provide me with further information on that? I'd like to read about that.

Thanks,
Athanasia

[Anthony]

Mother Gavriilia (Pappoyianni) would be another example. She certainly had spiritual children, and travelled widely to give talks.