Why does a woman hold such a “humble” position? She must obey her husband, remain silent in church, and the Apostles address only “men, brethren.” Should women even go to church if the Apostles do not address them? #

The modern position of women is far from humble—it has been elevated, thanks to Christianity. During the time of the Apostles, in traditional societies, a woman’s voice did not carry the same weight as a man’s. Her testimony was not trusted, she could not appear alone in public, and she rarely played an open role in society. The expectation that a woman obeys her husband is a consequence of the Fall and is intended as a correction for her. Similarly, a man must toil by the sweat of his brow to provide for his family, including the woman.

Silence in church is prescribed for everyone except the teaching clergy—not just for women. Even this rule is long outdated in practice. If women were to remain silent in churches, the vast majority of our congregations would lack choirs, cantors, and singers, and thus services could not take place. Women are the most reliable helpers in maintaining churches and conducting services.

The fact that church texts, including the Epistle, address listeners as “brethren” simply reflects the monastic tradition of addressing a congregation. In the Apostles’ time, it was not customary for men to address women they did not know. However, in his epistles to Christian communities, the Apostle Paul often directly addresses both men and women. In ancient churches, men and women were even separated—men on one side, women on the other. For example, in Islam, women are still not allowed to participate in shared prayers in mosques but gather separately on upper floors, observing through screens.

In our tradition, certain practices, inherited from male monastic customs, have become standard in parish churches. These practices should be reevaluated. In women’s monasteries, for example, all prayers and addresses began with “sisters.” Therefore, the most appropriate modern form of addressing a congregation would be “brethren and sisters.”

After His Resurrection, Christ first appeared to women—the Myrrh-bearing Women—who became apostles to the Apostles.

Orthodox thought cannot treat women with disdain or inferiority, for the first human being to attain the state of theosis—the one through whom God entered and was incarnate in this world—is a Woman: the Most Holy God-bearer, the Virgin Mary.

— Priest Evgeny Gureev.