WHAT IS A TRADITIONAL APPOINTED DEACONESS?

An Appointed Deaconess is very similar to other non-ordained female officiants in Christendom. Because they are not ordained, but are appointed, they do not give sermons and are not permitted to officiate at baptisms and funerals (as ordained male deacons sometimes can). But like other appointed ladies, including Abbesses, Presbytera (wife of an Orthodox Priest), Matriarchs (Old-Order Amish and Beachy Amish-Mennonite), or Matryoshkas (close female family member of a Russian-Orthodox Priest), Deaconesses are vital, respected leaders who guide communities and provide vital pastoral care. Despite historically operating in traditions where primary sacramental or administrative leadership (such as the Priesthood, Diaconate, or Episcopate) is reserved for men, deaconesses, often exceed expectations of Service, Education, and Mercy by focusing on the teaching and care of the impressionable and vulnerable. She may read the Epistle for a given day’s Liturgy of the Word, teach classes, while being tasked with ministering to the poor, sick, and marginalized. Like the Russian “Nesting Doll,” (the Matryoshka, signifying Theotokos, the God-bearer), she acts as the emotional glue of the extended church family, as she motivates younger women in church-related tasks. In community-building and catechesis she plays a priceless and fundamental role in guiding others toward the Faith. She frequently prepares women for Baptism, leads Sunday school, assembles prayer and charity actions, and offers spiritual direction. Anchoring the moral and religious values of the family and community, she passes down Faith tradition and shapes the character of younger generations.  The Biblical origin of the Deaconess is understood as “church servant,” as spoken by the Apostle Paul