Women in The Armenian Church
The Armenian Church does not ordain women to the priesthood. Historically, however, monastic women have been ordained as deaconesses within a convent environment. While they are truly ordained, these deaconesses do not minister in traditional parish churches or cathedrals to lay worshippers.
Women are generally not allowed at the altar of the Armenian church, although in practice exceptions are made to allow for altar girls and lay readers, especially when a parish is so small that not enough boys or men are regularly available to serve.
Women commonly serve the church in the choir and at the organ, on parish councils, as volunteers for church events, fundraisers, and Sunday schools, as supporters through Women's Guilds, and as staff members in church offices.
In the case of a married priest (Der Hayr), the wife of the priest generally plays an active role in the parish and is addressed by the title Yeretzgin.
In limited circumstances, the Armenian Church allows for divorce and remarriage. Cases usually include either adultery or apostasy.
Read more about this topic: Armenian Christians
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