Ecclesiological Anthropology

Abstract

Abstract The Eastern Orthodox Church has a long history of women’s ordination to the diaconate. Equally consistent is the absence of female priesthood and female episcopate. This article inquires – theoretically, as it is not a call to action – whether there are any theological reasons for this latter absence, or whether it is based exclusively on precedent and practice. Such an inquiry first presupposes an introduction to the history of the female diaconate in the East in order to establish that Ordination is not restricted to males. Second, it necessitates a historical approach to the question of women’s ordination to the priesthood, short as this history might be. Third, it challenges theological arguments against women’s ordination from the perspective of Eastern Christology, soteriology, anthropology, sacramental theology, and the relationship between theology and culture. The article concludes with some practical considerations regarding the negative consequences of the excessive masculinization of the Church.