Cyprus Church asks Alexandrian Patriarchy to explain deaconess "ordination"

Deaconess Angelica administering communion to believers. Photo: orthodoxdeaconess.org

On June 20, 2024, in addition to other current issues, the Synod of the Church of Cyprus addressed the problem of the canonical status of a female deaconess, who was ordained on May 2 by Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe (Alexandrian Patriarchate). This was stated in the decision of the Synod of the Church of Cyprus.

It was reported that "the Synod asked the Alexandrian Patriarchate to inform it about the canonical justification for the 'ordination' of a woman to the rank of deaconess by the Bishop of Zimbabwe."

As the UOJ previously reported, the Alexandrian Church commented on Metropolitan Seraphim (Kykotis) of Zimbabwe's decision to ordain Angelica Molen as a deaconess, which elicited mixed reactions in the Orthodox world.

Read also

Gay pride march held in Kharkiv metro

Several dozen people held an LGBT event in the Kharkiv metro.

Serbian Patriarch offers condolences over murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk

The head of the Serbian Orthodox Church called Sviatohirsk Lavra a refuge for the displaced and urged that the monk’s violent death not be turned into anyone’s weapon.

“Never seen before”: Israel reports record number of Hasidim in Uman

According to an Israeli police representative, 52,000 pilgrims are currently in Uman – 10,000 more than last year. The city itself has a population of about 75,000.

UOC faithful hold prayer vigil outside Lavra for more than 1,000 days

For three and a half years, Orthodox Christians have continued praying for peace and for the preservation of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

Zelensky congratulates Jews on Rosh Hashanah

Volodymyr Zelensky wished Jews peace and the triumph of good over evil.

Kyiv Theological Academy publishes book on Orthodoxy in 17th-century Ukraine

With the blessing of the UOC Primate, the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary has published a textbook marking the 430th anniversary of the birth of St. Petro Mohyla.