Upcoming Events
Young People in the Church Today: How Deaconesses Can Help
Jul 27, 2025 at 6pm Eastern Time
In a rapidly changing world presenting unique challenges, young people today are seeking spiritual care and meaningful connection. This webinar explores how the ministry of the deaconess can meet these emerging needs by offering guidance, and faithful service in the modern world.
Panelists
Corinna Robinson, MDiv Harvard Divinity Graduate
Amelia Antzoulatos, MDiv candidate, Yale Divinity School
Demi Tomasides, MPP candidate, Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy
Overworked Priests: How Deaconesses Can Help
August 19 at 7pm ET
Reports show that an overwhelming majority of priests experience burnout*. In the ancient church, priests had the support of deacons and deaconesses, who served in ministerial roles, alleviating many of the duties we expect our priests to be responsible for today.
This Zoom event will examine the damage burnout causes – to both clergy and laity – and how the revival of the female diaconate could help restore spiritual health and well-being in our churches today.
* Reference:
- 75% of pastors report being “extremelystressed” or “highly stressed”
- 90% feel fatigued and worn out every week
- 91% have experienced some form of burnout in ministry and 18% say they are “fried to a crisp right now”
Panelists
Fr. Marc Dunaway has lived in Alaska since 1968 and has been pastor of Saint John Orthodox Cathedral in Eagle River since 1995. Saint John’s is a parish in the Antiochian Archdiocese and was part of the Evangelical Orthodox journey in the 1980s. Its ministries include Saint John’s School, the Saint James House, and the Eagle River Institute. He is married to Betsy and they are blessed to have four children and eleven grandchildren, all living nearby.
Archdeaconess Angelic-Phoebe of Harare, Zimbabwe was ordained Deaconess on May 2, 2024, Holy Thursday. She was ordained in the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and all Africa (the Orthodox Church in the continent of Africa) by His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim of Zimbabwe (Kykotis) in St. Nektarios Mission Parish at WaterFall. Deaconess Angelic is a respected member of the Orthodox community of St. Nektarios Mission Parish. For years, she has worked to engage the Orthodox youth of Zimbabwe and build a foundation of pastoral care within her community. She has organized church school, mothers’ groups, and youth meetings. She is pursuing university education in order to better serve as an ordained member of the Orthodox Church. She is studying Geography and Environmental Studies, placing the sanctity of Earth at the forefront of her work.
The following event is hosted by
Axia Women
.
Women Sharing the Good News: Four Week Online Course
Every Tuesday, July 8-29
Our recent panel, Women Sharing the Good News: Teaching and Preaching, sparked such excitement that we knew we couldn’t stop there. So, we’re taking it to the next level! Join us for Tuesdays in July—July 8–29—for a dynamic four-week mini-course with the inspiring Dr. Teva Regule, and discover how you can teach and preach Christ with confidence and grace.
By the end of the course, you’ll be ready to deliver a compelling sermon or give an engaging coffee-hour talk on the Feast of the Transfiguration. You’ll learn how to craft your message using Scripture, patristic insights,and its liturgical context, including iconography, and hymnography—drawing from the rich wellsprings of Orthodox tradition.
This hands-on experience includes:
- Inspiring two-hour lectures
- A one-on-one tutorial
- Weekly reflection exercises
- Interactive workshop sessions
We’ll meet weekly (online) throughout July, wrapping up just in time for the Feast of the Transfiguration. As an extra bonus, if you’d like, you can record your sermon at the end of the course—Axia will choose at least three to feature on our platforms!
We can’t wait to hear what you have to say. Let’s bring the Good Word to life—together.
All levels welcome.
About the Instructor:
Dr. Teva Regule brings a scholarly mind and a pastoral heart to theology and liturgical life, shaped by a lifelong journey within the Orthodox Church. Raised in the faith and actively involved ever since, she combines heartfelt commitment with scholarly excellence. Teva earned her Master of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2007, graduating with highest distinction, and went on to complete her PhD in Systematic Theology at Boston College.
Her academic interests center on the vibrant traditions of Orthodox worship, with a particular focus on liturgical theology and history. Beyond the classroom and church, Teva is a dedicated advocate for the voices of women and young people in the life of the Church. In her home parish women preach during Women’s History Month, and Teva has consistently brought its participants into a rich and engaging perspective on the living tradition of Orthodox Christianity.
Details
July 8, 15, 22, 29th | 7pm Eastern
Early Registration (until June 14): $179
Full Registration (ends on July 1st): $199
Space is limited to 20 students, as participants will receive personal coaching and feedback. We recommend signing up early!
Orthodox women only, please.
