Armenian Apostolic Church Ordains Deaconess in Iran

http://www.diarioarmenia.org.ar/elijen-una-diaconisa-mujer-en-la-diocesis-de-teheran/

Yerevan (hetq.am) .- The Primate of the Diocese of Tehran ordained as a deaconess a woman in the Mother Church of Surp Sarkis.Although this role exists centuries ago in the Armenian Apostolic Church, this is the first time that a lay woman, not a nun, will occupy this role in the parish.

Ani-Kristi Manvelian, 24, an anesthesiologist by profession, was ordained, along with Mayis Mateosian, by Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Primate of the Diocese in the Iranian capital.

"What I have done is in accordance with the tradition of the church and nothing else," the archbishop said. As he explained, this was his personal initiative "to revitalize the participation of women also in the liturgical life of our church". He added: "Do not be surprised, a woman could also become a servant of the Holy Altar."

Ani-Kristi has been involved in the life of the church in Tehran since she was very young.Usually, she used to perform the duties of an acolyte, such as reading the psalms or carrying the ceremonial candle.