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48th Clerical General Assembly of the Archdiocese of America: Discussion on the promotion of women in positions of responsibilitytranslated

July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

A discussion on the promotion of women in positions of responsibility in the context of ministries, held during the 2026 Clergy Assembly, brought to the same table five women with a significant contribution to the life of the Holy Archdiocese of America. They talked about the opportunities that can be given to women, but also about the various ministries they perform in the Church. The speakers presented various examples at the parish and Metropolis level and talked about issues of church music, support for victims of domestic violence, issues of general care, support for the bereaved, but also support for the homeless and vulnerable social groups. The aim of the discussion was to encourage each parish to offer women of all ages more opportunities to participate.

The discussion was moderated by Barbara Harris, a founding member of the Board of Directors of St. Catherine's Vision and current member of the Board of Directors of St. Phoebe Center, while the closing remarks were made by His Eminence Protopresbyter Dr. Stelyios Muksuris. Also participating in the discussion was Dr. Helen Theodoropoulos, Orthodox…

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Иванка Димитрова

I remember how last month the sister from the women's circle of our church in Burgas went to the family that lost a baby to help them with tea and sweets. This is exactly what they are talking about - how women really help, not just words.

Теодора Петрова

Yesterday, the sister from our parish prepared baked goods for the family that lost a grandmother - just like in Burgas, only here it is already a custom in the church, not only on holidays.

Ilie Ionescu

The cakes that the sister from Burgas brought during mourning... this should be the case in every parish, without waiting for a conference.

Мариана Иванова

Yes, that's right, Ivanka. With us in Rousse last week, one of the women from the choir brought home-made pie to the widow after the funeral service and stayed to help her tidy up the house. It's the little things that really get remembered. And what do you think, should we organize something similar in our women's club?

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ნიკოლოზ გელაშვილი

This is often the case in our Tbilisi church - like yesterday, one mother served banitsa to a widow and stayed to help with cleaning. It's really small news, but that's what stays in the heart. I can well imagine the coordination of Barbara Harris, how she managed the conversation.

Viorica Stan

Here in the parish in Bucharest, aunt Elena from the choir always brings baskets and buns to the bereaved houses, exactly as the women from Burgas and Ruse tell. These small gestures remain, not the conference speeches. Do you think it would help to make a simple list of sisters willing to go to widows after the funeral?

Борис Илиев

Yes, Ivanka, that's right – those little gestures with the tea and cakes often mean more than any speeches. Here in Burgas, one of the women from the people goes to the elderly after a loss and brings them a homemade pie, and then just sits and listens. Do you think we should do it more regularly in the parish, not just in severe cases?

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თამარ წიკლაური

It's true, Nikoloz, this is exactly what happens in our Kutaisi church - yesterday a widow came by herself and cleaned all the chairs, no one told her. Small things really stay in the heart. I have only heard the name of Barbara Harris, I don't know what kind of voice she has.

Красимира Василева

Yes, Marianna, it's those little gestures like the pie and helping around the house that last the most. Here in Tarnovo, a grandmother from the sewing group regularly visits lonely adults after a funeral and brings them hot soup. I think that in our circle we can start with a simple list - who can help when and with what, without waiting for an invitation. What do you say?

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ლელა ჯავახიშვილი

Tamar, that's right - in our church, one such widow often helps us, who also takes care of the flowers every week, no one told her. Little things really stay in the heart. I have only heard about Barbara Harris by name, it would be interesting to read about her experience in more detail.

თეა აბაშიძე

Lela, you are right, small things stay in the heart the most. In our church, an old widow cleans the altar every Saturday night, and no one has said "thank you." I have also read a bit about Barbara Harris, especially St. What is he doing at the Phoebe Center?

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სალომე ნოზაძე

Thea, you are absolutely right, the little things stay the most profound. In our church, an old widow cleans the altar every Saturday night, and no one has said "thank you." Barbara Harris' activities in St. I was also interested in the Phoebe Center, especially how it promotes women's involvement.

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მარიამ მამულაშვილი

Salome, you are right, small things stay in the heart the most. In our Kutaisi church, a widowed mother arranges candles and cleans the floor every week, silently. Barbara Harris's St. I also heard about the Phoebe Center, but did I tell you what specific programs they have for women?

მაია ჯავახიშვილი

Maria, you are absolutely right, in our church there is exactly such a widowed mother who comes twice a week and arranges candles without telling anyone. St. I also don't have details on the Phoebe Center's programs, but I saw on their website that they provide training for women in church music and psychological support. What do you think, what can we start in our Kutaisi?