Sr. Vassa: There's no ontological impediment to priestesses
Is the male-only priesthood a discipline or essential to the nature of being a priest? Sr. Vassa (again unflinchingly taking up a contentious topic by climbing up the ladder to the highest platform and then jumping into the deep end head first) dives right in and says there is no reason beyond personal preference to not have female clergy. You know, when people ask me about women in priesthood, they say, 'Sister, why can't women be priests?' And I say, 'Women CAN be priests. We don't WANT them to be priests.' Because you see, God can do anything, and the Church, by divine authority, uh, can do anything, but, the Church doesn't want to - and that's a legitimate reason. What I don't like is when we TRY to pretend that there are other reasons for this, because it's legitimate not to want something, and there are reasons not to want this - right? - but, we shouldn't pretent that there's some... reason, that, for example, the maleness...
That video was so beautiful! Thank you so much for letting us know about it.
ReplyDeleteWonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting!! Reposting on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this amazing video. It brought me great blessing. Do you know if it is available on DVD from anywhere?
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Schema-monk Theodroe
I do not know. I wish I did as I would advertise it to the high heavens.
DeleteOk, thank you. I might do some hunting.
DeleteWhat a great blessing in deed to see our Holy Orthodox Faith lived totally and with Love for all of God's creatures. Soon I will begin to prepare for Divine Liturgy and will take all these thoughts to the Throne of Christ. Christ is Born!
ReplyDeleteI heard from my friend Fr John Pierce, in Tacoma, WA, that he visited this monastery/orphanage last summer, was guest preacher in the main Cathedral, and Abbot Michael is now a Bishop (and still Abbot). Glory be to God!
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