The Origin of the Women’s Diaconate in the Apostolic Armenian Church (4th-12th Century). An Introduction to a Periodization in the Historical-Legal Perspective

Abstract

This historical and legal study aims to analyze the origins of the women’s diaconate in the Apostolic Armenian Church through liturgical and legal sources. The hypothesis suggests that the roots of deaconesses should be sought in Armenian female monasticism. From the 4th to the 5th century, there is a lack of evidence for the existence of Armenian deaconesses. Armenian legislation, which prohibited women from assisting in the baptism of women, was likely a response to abuses that may have persisted until the 12th century. Armenian deaconesses, appearing in Armenian monasteries from the 9th century, were meant to replace Armenian deacons, whose numbers were insufficient. However, the liturgical rite for the ordination of Armenian deaconesses appeared only in the 12th century in the Maschtoz (Maštoc’). Deaconesses and deacons did not hold identical hierarchical offices. Deaconesses were involved in charitable and educational activities among women and children, performed only certain duties in the monastery, administered Holy Communion to women and the sick, but only outside of the Divine Liturgy and outside the sanctuary, and assisted in the baptism of women.