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A question:

How does one correctly address in conversation the wife of a Ukrainian Catholic priest? I would be inclined to simply say "Mrs. So-and-so," but then it seems to me I recall the style "Matushka" used at a Russian Orthodox church. Do wives of Eastern Catholic clergymen use a particular style? If so, does it precede their first name or their married surname?

Also, how is an envelope addressed to the couple?

"Father Mikhail and Matushka Raisa Skenderovic"?

"Father and Matushka Mikhail Skenderovic"?

"The Reverend and Mrs. Mikhail Skenderovic"?


Any clarifications would be much appreciated!

Some say "Pani". Arabs say "Khouriyya/eh", Greeks "Presbytera," Romanians "Preoteasca"

To add to Isa's list, 'Matushka' is used principally by the Russians; 'Panimatka' is, I believe, another Ukrainian usage - with 'Pani' being a shortened form - and, I think, the form most common among Carpatho-Rusyns.

I used to know the Albanian and Serbian usages, but can't recollect them at the moment.

Diaconessa is common usage for the wife of a married deacon, but Pani is also used in some Churches.

The title precedes the personal name, rather than surname.

My address preference would be (Priest) John and (Priest's Wife) Mary Surname - but you could probably find differing opinions. There is no styling attached to it in any of the many listings of 'Forms of Clerical Address' with which I'm familiar. Isa?

Many years,

Neil

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Coptic Priest's wife has a title:

We call her "Tasoni" (which is Coptic for Sister). Not that she becomes a nun, but she is more like "our" sister.

Many times i've seen her being referred to as "the government" - like she's the one make all the decisions and pulling the strings in the community.

I prefer the Tasoni way of addressing. Calling someone "sister" is a term of endearment and quite charming.