Women & Diaconal Ministry Conference Re-cap Held in Columbus, Ohio

Dr. Caren Stayer gave a brief history of the deaconess, various duties she carried out, and theories on why this order fell out of use.

Dr. Caren Stayer gave a brief history of the deaconess, various duties she carried out, and theories on why this order fell out of use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very Reverend Fr. Daniel Rentel gave reflections in a passionate and thought-provoking manner, urging the Church to consider how restoration of the female diaconate could provide a much-needed service in today's parishes.

Very Reverend Fr. Daniel Rentel gave reflections in a passionate and thought-provoking manner, urging the Church to consider how the female diaconate could help minister to the needs of God’s people today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

REFLECTIONS ON THE WOMEN DIACONATE
by the Very Reverend Fr. Daniel Rentel

AnnMarie Mecera informs attendees about the conference topics and speakers. She provided updates on other conference re-caps that are scheduled, special interest groups, and other works of the Board.

AnnMarie Mecera informed attendees about topics covered at the conference, and ministries in which many of the speakers are involved. Regional re-caps, such as the one held here, she explained, special interest groups, and a future conference were some of the ideas that came out of discussions at the conference.

Guest Conference Speaker Goes to Nationals in Oratorical Festival


Paulina Pedas, high school Oratorical Festival winner and guest speaker at the Women & Diaconal Ministry Conference will be going on to the Nationals in June.

Paulina was the first place finalist at her parish and local district levels.  She placed second at the Regional Direct Archdiocesan District level last year. So encouraged by the Conference, she wrote another speech that she delivered at the Regional Level, incorporating what she learned at the Conference. That speech won her first place at the Regional (Metropolis) Direct Archdiocesan Level and the right to advance to the National Level. She will travel to California in June to compete. The Oratorical Festival is sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese.

Paulina’s presentation answers the question, “What are some times in your life in which you have experienced the truthfulness of St. Paul’s statements?” in relation to the verse, “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NRSV).

Read her speech

Re-cap of Conferences Scheduled in DC Area

“Restoring the Holy Orthodox Tradition of Deaconesses”
Thursday, May 28, 2015
7 pm
St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
3149 Glen Carlyn Road
Falls Church, Virginia

Join us for a Pan-Orthodox re-cap
of two recent conferences on deaconesses:
St. Phoebe Center, New York City, Dec., 2014, and
CEMES at the University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Jan., 2015

RSVP & further information: mrouvelas@verizon.net

PDF

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St. John’s Outreach Ministry: Diaconal Work in Action

i-was-sick

Read about St. John’s Outreach Ministry, located in Dedham, Mass. Donna Sabbag oversees this ministry that provides visits for companionship, dealing with a loss, bereavement, chronic/terminal illness, convalescence, relocation, caregiving, special needs, divorce, and more.

 ST JOHN’S OUTREACH MINISTRY

New Resources Now Available from Women & Diaconal Ministry Conference

These resources have also been added to the Women & Diaconal Ministry Conference page

Rejuvenating The Diaconate: Opportunities, Challenges & Steps
(Presentation Transcript) by Teva Regule PhD (candidate)

Altar Service Today (PDF)
by Teva Regule PhD (candidate)

Reclaiming the Tradition of the Church (PDF)
by Fr. Steven Tsichlis

Conference Presentation Materials Now Available

Conference Press Release

Opening Service Homily
by Dr. Ioana Popa Chirieac

Calls for the Rejuvenation of the Female Diaconate in the Modern Era
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The Tradition of the Female Deacon in the Eastern Churches (PowerPoint PDF)
Valerie Karras, ThD, PhD and Caren Stayer, PhD
(find the audio file of this presentation on our main conference page)
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Spiritual Direction (Presentation Transcript)
Sister Rebecca Cown, New Skete Monastery

Ministries of the Word (Presentation Transcript)
Professor Susan Ashbrook Harvey

Parish Administration & Outreach (Presentation Transcript)
AnnMarie Mecera

Chaplaincy (Presentation Transcript)
Clio Pavlantos, MA, CMA, MDiv, BCC (Provisional)

(find the audio file of these presentations on our main conference page)
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Rejuvenating the Diaconate: Opportunities, Challenges & Steps (Presentation Outline)
by Teva Regule PhD (candidate)

(find the audio file of this Fr. Steven Tsichlis’ presentation on our main conference page)