Around the Chorio
Phoebe Center holds Conference on Women Deaconesses in NYC
Ready to rile the cause of female involvement in the Church, girls? Here’s your chance.
Women & Diaconal Ministry in the Orthodox Church: Past, Present & Future
Saturday, December 6, 2014 / 9 AM to 5 PM Union Theological Seminary / 3041 Broadway @ 121st St., NY, 10027
THE PAST Build a solid understanding of the female diaconate in the early and medieval Church with presentations and discussion that explore the ministry and the attempts at the restoration of the office in the modern era through the work of Evangelos Theodorou, the decisions of the Rhodes Consultation, and the churches of Russia and Greece.
THE PRESENT Learn about the ‘diaconal’ work that women are doing today as chaplains, spiritual directors, ministers of the Word, and parish administrators and outreach coordinators. THE FUTURE Explore why an ordained ministry is necessary, how a deaconess would/could serve today, and what short-term and long-term steps could be taken for restoration of the office as well as rejuvenation of the entire diaconate—male and female—for the building up of the Church today.
SPEAKERS include Sister Rebecca of New Skete Monastery; Valerie A. Karras, ThD., PhD; AnnMarie Mecera; Clio Pavlantos, MDiv; Teva Regule, PhD (candidate); Caren Stayer, PhD; Rev. Fr. Steven Tsichlis; and Phyllis Zagano, PhD.
CONFERENCE WILL INCLUDE presentations, a panel discussion, breakout session, Q&A after each session, and the opportunity for networking. Full program, speakers, and lodging information available at www.orthodoxdeaconess.org.
St. Phoebe the Deaconess at Cenchreae near Corinth
Commemorated on September 3
Saint Phoebe the Deaconess is mentioned by the holy Apostle Paul (Romans 16:1-2):
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.”
Troparion (Tone 3) –
REGISTRATION FORM & FEES
$50 until November 15/ $60 after November 15 / $35 Students. Includes lunch, light refreshments & all conference materials. Make checks payable to ‘St. Phoebe Center’ and mail to: St. Phoebe Center,
c/o Ann Marie Mecera, P.O. Box 24, Plain City, OH 43064.
NAME_____________________________________________________________________
STREET____________________________________________________________________
CITY__________________________________________STATE______ZIP_______________
EMAIL ADDRESS____________________________________PHONE___________________ □ I have enclosed a check for $_______. □ I would like to help defray costs of the conference with a donation $______________. □ I would like to sponsor a student @ $35. Email confirmation will be sent upon receipt of check & registration form. Questions? Email annmarie.mecera@gmail.com.
