Q&A Home > W > Women/Women in the Church St. Paul did not permit for women to teach in the church. What does this mean?
- Not to teach in the Liturgy only or in the church at all?
- Teach only in Sunday School? Do some ladies teach at the Theological Seminary in Egypt. Is that right?
Not only were many women noted in the ministry of Christ, but also as modeled by his Master, Jesus Christ, St. Paul's ministry also included the contributions of many significant women. Women have the right to teach and instruct, but not in the ecclesiastical role of the clergy or deacons, which include the services of the Divine Liturgies. Although St. Paul often exchanged identifying the husband and wife team of Priscilla and Aquila, or Aquila and Priscilla, a couple who often accompanied him in his travels and throughout his ministry, when they instructed the preacher Apollos on baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit, here, St. Paul mentions Aquila first, while at other times Priscilla would be mentioned first because of her extremely active role. "When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately" (Act 18:26). This deliberate notation is the correct protocol. Thus, they fulfilled their specific roles as laymen and women. Following this incident in the Holy Book of Acts 19:1-10, St. Paul administers the ecclesiastical rite through his bishopric apostleship by laying his hands upon those who having been baptized, had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the message is clear, women may teach anyone who is need of learning about God. Spiritual nourishment is just as important as physical nourishment. When someone is hungry and thirsty for the knowledge of God, man, woman, and child are all called to respond and support them in their spiritual weaknesses and needs. However, when it comes to the ecclesiastical roles, these are exclusive to men, who are specifically appointed for these roles. Thus, Aquila did not have the authority of the priesthood to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation, but left this to the apostle Paul. The Holy Sacrament of the Priesthood was established by Christ Himself and enforced by all of His disciples and apostles. Inclusive in the Sacrament of the Priesthood are the ranks of deacons, who have other specific tasks and responsibilities. Therefore, women may teach in the classroom or even in a church building, but NOT during any ecclesiastical service or the Divine Liturgies, other than being members of the congregation.
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