Women in the Church

Interesting fact my spiritual father brought to my attention:

Before a married man can be ordained in the Orthodox Church, his wife must send a letter to the bishop indicating her assent.

For those who don't know, the wives of married priests are referred to as "presbytera." That's the male equivalent of "presbyter." To Anglicize it, think of calling her "Mother" in the same way you'd call a priest "Father."

The Orthodox Church, which is about as traditional as churches go without being nutty, has a major role for women to play in the minsterial life of the Church. An interesting point for those who immediately decry tradition and see in the Church a long history of oppression and marginalization of women.