Examining the role of women in the ministry of the Syrian Orthodox Church is not a new endeavor; however, it remains a complex one. This paper aims to delve into the roles assigned to women in church ministry according to canon law, exploring the reasons behind the failure of their implementation, and identifying the opportunities available for women in church ministry today. The creation narratives in the Book of Genesis 1:27 underscore the equality of both male and female, as they are created in the image of God. Biblical texts emphasize the invaluable role of women as supportive partners within the context of the church community (Romans:16:1-5). They are depicted as pillars of strength, offering their wisdom, compassion and dedication to nurturing the spiritual growth of others. This role as a helper (Genesis 2:20) is not one of subservience but rather of partnership and collaboration where both men and women work together harmoniously to fulfill the mission of the church and spread love and understanding. Through this study, I have endeavored to elucidate the integral role of women in church ministry. The church must recognize and harness the considerable expertise that women possess across various fields of religious life. By doing so, their spiritual journey is enriched, enabling them to align more closely with the image of God and pursue their goals with greater specificity and purpose. This exploration also discusses into the establishment of the office of deaconess and highlights the myriad opportunities available for women in the ministry of the Syrian Orthodox Church today. By embracing and empowering women within the church, we uphold the values of equality and inclusivity and enrich our community’s spiritual fabric.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:ths-2485 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Chacko, Leena |
| Publisher | Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm, Avdelningen för östkyrkliga studier, Sankt Ignatios |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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