Women's Offices in OCC: The Role of Deaconesses & Abbesses
Orthodox Celtic Church
Women's Offices in OCC: The Role of Deaconesses & Abbesses
Historical Background: Women in the Celtic Church
Women played a significant role in the early Celtic Church, serving as seers, abbesses, and spiritual leaders. Unlike the more hierarchical Roman Church, the Celtic Christian tradition embraced a monastic structure that allowed for strong female leadership. This was particularly evident in the double monasteries led by abbesses, such as St. Brigid of Kildare, who held authority over both men and women in religious life.
Key Roles of Women in the Celtic Church
Seers & Prophetesses: Often sought for their wisdom and spiritual insight.
Abbesses: Managed large monastic communities, sometimes holding authority similar to bishops.
Nuns & Educators: Preserved learning, trained clergy, and provided healing ministries.
Hospitality & Healing Ministry: Many Celtic Christian women ran hospitals, guesthouses, and centers of care.
The Deaconess Role in Eastern Orthodoxy
The role of the Deaconess was widely recognized in the Eastern Orthodox Church, particularly in the early centuries of Christianity. Deaconesses:
Assisted in baptisms of women.
Provided pastoral care for women in the community.
Helped with charitable works and hospitality ministries.
Some served as teachers and catechists in the early Church.
Though this role diminished over time, there has been a modern revival in some Orthodox jurisdictions, recognizing the need for trusted female leaders to guide and assist in ministry.
Biblical Foundation for the Deaconess Role
The New Testament provides precedent for women serving in roles of ministry:
1. 1 Timothy 3:11 – Women in Church Leadership
"In the same way, the women must be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything." (1 Timothy 3:11)
This passage, placed in the context of deacon qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8-13), suggests that women (often interpreted as deaconesses) were included in ministerial roles.
2. Phoebe: A Deaconess in the Early Church
Romans 16:1-2 states:
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant (διάκονος, diakonos) of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me."
The Greek word diakonos (διάκονος) is used for both deacons and servants, leading some to believe that Phoebe was an ordained deaconess in the early Church.
The Deaconess Role at St. Andrew’s OCC
At St. Andrew’s OCC (Orthodox Church of the Culdees), the role of Deaconess follows the Biblical model as a trusted woman who:
Counsels and disciples women in spiritual matters.
Assists in hospitality and ministry events.
Supports choir and liturgical activities.
Leads business and economic initiatives that benefit the community.
Develops projects such as organic health products, homesteading, and cultural outreach.
Opportunity for Growth: From Deaconess to Abbess
As our ministry grows, a Deaconess may:
Advance to Abbess by leading a group of nuns, students, or choir representatives.
Expand economic and community outreach initiatives to stimulate the local economy.
Develop new business models within the church to provide sustainability.
Host workshops, festivals, and media outreach to promote Celtic Christian values.
Entrepreneurial & Economic Initiatives
At St. Andrew’s OCC, ministry is closely tied to economic and social outreach. Deaconesses (and later Abbesses) are encouraged to lead initiatives such as:
Celtic book publishing and education programs.
Organic health product development (e.g., herbal remedies, natural food production).
Festivals and cultural events promoting Celtic Christian heritage.
Subscription-based media outreach, including video content production.
Property development and cleaning businesses to sustain ministry efforts.
Although some monasteries in history brewed beer, our church focuses on organic health products as part of our commitment to natural, sustainable living.
Conclusion: Reviving the Traditional Role of Women in Ministry
The role of women in the early Celtic Church was strong and influential. At St. Andrew’s OCC, we are reviving this tradition by empowering women in ministry, starting as Deaconesses and growing into leadership as Abbesses, fostering spiritual, economic, and cultural renewal for the benefit of the entire community.
Women interested in joining this mission can apply by submitting their resume to:
📩 info@st-andrewsocc.org
Vocational opportunity: