November 21, 2016
The Alexandrian Orthodox Church intends to restore the institution of deaconesses which existed in the early centuries of the Orthodox Church, as reported on the patriarchate’s official website.
Under the chairmanship of Patriarch Theodoros II the Holy Synod of the Alexandrian Church reviewed the issue at their November 16 session, with a report being offered by Metropolitan Gregory of Cameroon in which he highlighted the missionary focus of the deaconess ministry. His report was followed by a detailed discussion of the issue.
Having decided to restore the institution, the Alexandrian synod formed a three-bishop committee for thoroughly studying the issue.
What functions, including liturgical, if any, will be entrusted to the new deaconesses remains to be seen.