pp. 83–102
The article analyses various liturgical practices for ordination of deaconesses. Analysing the content and ritual aspects of these ordination practices is aimed at identifying the ministries delivered by deaconesses who were ordained using different practices at different times across Eastern and Western Christian churches. Structural and content analysis of ordination practices along with analysis of their ritual aspects highlight several ministries varying in their specific aspects and focus from one church to another depending on the historical era.
Keywords: deaconesses, ministry, ordination, chirotesy, chirotony, catechesis, monasticism, virgins, widows.