Nicosia, June 24, 2024
Photo: la-croix.com
The Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus is questioning the Patriarchate of Alexandria about the recent ordination of a deaconess that took place in the Metropolis of Zimbabwe.
On Holy Thursday, May 2, Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe ordained Angelic Molen not simply as a deaconess, but as a female deacon. The move has, unsurprisingly, proved controversial in the Orthodox world.
Additionally, Angelic is only 33, and was already married before her elevation by Met. Seraphim, whereas the ancient canons referring to deaconesses call them for them be older and unmarried.
Initial reports indicated that the ordination was celebrated with the blessing of Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria, though a statement from the Patriarchate calls that into question.
According to Romfea, On Thursday, June 20, the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus resolved to:
Request to that the Patriarchate of Alexandria provide information about the canonical status of the “ordination” of a woman to the rank of deaconess by the Metropolitan of Zimbabwe.
Met. Seraphim himself is a native Cypriot.
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