In This Newsletter

This month, Deaconess Angelic represented the Orthodox Archbishopric of Zimbabwe at the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) consultation meeting on Migration, Trafficking in Persons, and Modern Slavery.

African Women’s Grant

Throughout Africa, women participate in the life of the Orthodox Church in roles such as catechist, church treasurer, theologian, and chanter. To champion these richly engaged women, the St. Phoebe Center for the Deaconess established the African Women’s Grant. This grant invites African Orthodox women to apply for funding that supports their continued education of the Faith, equipping grantees to better serve God and their communities.

Write to Deaconess Angelic and her Hierarchs

Are you encouraged and inspired by the recent ordination of Deaconess Angelic in Africa? Let the hierarchs know!
Write to the Patriarch of Alexandria
(Patriarchate Theodors II of Alexandria blessed the ordination of Deaconess Angelic)
Form of address: “Your Beatitude”
His Holiness Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa Theodoros II
P.O.Box 2006
Alexandria Egypt
Write to Metropolitan Serafim
(Metropolitan Serafim ordained Deaconess Angelic)
Form of address: “Your Eminence”
His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim
Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Zimbabwe
P.O.Box 2832
Harare, Zimbabwe
Write to Deaconess Angelic Molen
Form of address: Reverend Deaconess Angelic Molen
Reverend Deaconess Angelic Molen
In Care Of: His Eminence Metropolitan Serafim
Greek Orthodox Archbishopric of Zimbabwe
P.O.Box 2832
Harare, Zimbabwe

Upcoming Events

Information Session:

St. Phoebe Service Event

Tuesday, July 9 at 7 pm EST

In celebration of St. Phoebe’s feast day, the St. Phoebe Center is encouraging our supporters to host local service projects.
Join us via Zoom to gather information and brainstorm how to celebrate the Feast of St Phoebe. Even if you cannot make the event, please still register so we can send you information about hosting.

Women in Orthodoxy:

Past, Present, and Future Roles*

Tuesday, July 2 at 1pm PST

GOA Clergy-Laity Panel

Panelists: Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Dr. Helen Creticos Theodoropoulos, Sara Tsugranis, Kyra P. Limberakis (MTS), Cary J. Limberakis (DMD)
*Not an official St. Phoebe Center event.

St. Phoebe’s Feast Day

Tuesday, September 3

Event Recap:

“Exploring the Need for the Female Diaconate”

This seminar contextualized the diaconate broadly, examining the order and speaking to the differences between ordained and lay ministry. Additionally, we heard and shared stories of how a robust diaconate—especially a female diaconate—is needed to meet the ministerial needs of the Church and our mission to the world today.
Many of the stories came from St. Phoebe Center supporters. We have left the call for stories open, and invite you to share your personal thoughts on the need for a female diaconate.
Watch a recording of the event below!
EXPLORING THE NEED FOR DIACONAL MINISTRY AND THE FEMALE DIACONATE, May 19, 2024

Event Recap:

“Reflections on the Ordination of Deaconess Angelic”

Dr. Carrie Frederick Frost shared her reflections and photos on the ordination of Deaconess Angelic of Harare, Zimbabwe. A Q&A followed the conversation.
Watch a recording of the event below!
Reflections on the Ordination of Deaconess Angelic in Zimbabwe, June 10, 2024

Recent Board Member and Supporter Activities

On April 6, St. Phoebe Center supporter Dr. Ioana Popa hosted a Lenten retreat, “Having a Healthy and Peaceful Dialog about the Diaconal Ministry in the Orthodox Church”.*
The retreat drew a crowd of differing opinions. While there were moments of high tension, attendees actively sought out healthy dialogue with those whom they had conflicting ideas. By the end of the retreat, a camaraderie formed between the participants, built on the foundation of understanding opposing views.
*Not an official St. Phoebe Center event
Board Member Dr. Teva Regule has stepped down after 4.5 years of service as the President of the Orthodox Theological Society in America.
Congratulations to her on a job well done!

St. Phoebe Center for the Deaconess

2023 Annual Report

To learn more about St. Phoebe Center’s year in review, financial statement, and Anniversary Symposium, click the image below.

Web Designer Needed

Are you a website designer/coder? The St. Phoebe Center is searching for occasional service of someone who knows more than we do about these things!
If interested, please email the center at stphoebcenter@gmail.com.

Thank you!

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm of St. Pheobe Center! The Center is grateful for your goodwill, encouragement, and thoughtful contributions.
Support: If you have not already done so, please join our growing list of Supporters from around the world who champion the mission of the Center.
Give: Because of your generous support, the St. Phoebe Center is able to continue to host events, create materials, and promote deaconesses. Please consider a donation to continue this prayerful advocacy. We ask that you also consider a donation to the African Women’s Grant in support of the continuing education of our African sisters in Christ.
PRAYER TO ST. PHOEBE
Most holy Phoebe, who was found to be worthy of the diaconate; who was Paul’s helper and carried his words to the people of Rome; who is called the lamp of Cenchrea; we now humbly ask that you intercede for us, and pray to Christ our God for us as we discern His will for revival of the ordained female diaconate for the upbuilding of the entire Church today. Pray that we will be blessed and fruitful in our works this day and always, to God’s glory. Amen