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Dear Sharon, Shalom Aleichem! You don't post here often enough, do you know that? Although some of the clerical elite here such as diaconal and priestly candidates and wannabe's would put up an argument against it  , the Presbytera is bound to play an important role in her own Rite and parish. The people really look to her to play such a role, whether she wants to or not. For example, my granddad's women parishioners often felt more comfortable speaking to Presbytera Irena about certain issues and did so regularly. My grandmother kept her husband in check, letting him know about the rules governing what is appropriate and what is not. (I learned everything I know from her!) She would 'nudge' him in the right direction. Her own example of piety and charitable works inspired others. I remember the way she prayed, the time she spent in prayer, how she went to Church daily when she could still walk herself and how deeply devotional she was. Although I grew up in a priest's family, so called, I was under her influence, rather than anyone else's. Alex
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Yes, Pani Matka is the unsung hero of many a parish...A very unique and demanding ministry.
Discerning, the last number I have is (202) 529-1177 and FAX (202) 269-0043 for St. Josaphat's Seminary in D.C. The phone number for our Holy Cross Monastery not too far from there is (202)832-8519 and FAX: (202) 832-0592. Both are accessible from the CUA Metro stop.
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Discerning, I know of several priests, most of them in the Stamford Eparchy, who serve as military chaplains. Absolutely this is an option! And I think following 911 very few bishops in the U.S. would decline such a request.
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Originally posted by Orthodox Catholic: Dear Sharon,
Shalom Aleichem!
... Although some of the clerical elite here such as diaconal and priestly candidates and wannabe's would put up an argument against it , the Presbytera is bound to play an important role in her own Rite and parish.
The people really look to her to play such a role, whether she wants to or not.
For example, my granddad's women parishioners often felt more comfortable speaking to Presbytera Irena about certain issues and did so regularly.I certainly would not presume to speak for other candidates, but the presbytera's role is something that should be left to her. That your grandmother played such an influential role in the life of the parish is commendable and no doubt she was quite capable and comfortable in her role. In my own case, my bride does not she herself as a spiritual mother for others (outside our six children), or as the choir director, pirohi pincher, religious ed. director, secretary, etc., but that does not mean she is not supportive of my diaconal vocation. If in the future she chooses to involve herself in these roles that too is fine, but to measure the committment to one's diaconal or presbyteral vocation based upon the wife's role is somehow missing the point of the vocation. To Sharon's point, that the wife is the other half of the dyad in the restoration of a married clergy, yes, the recognition of her dignity must be respected. IMO, this means that if a wife wants to have an active role, then by all means, she should be allowed. On the other hand, if she does not want such a visble role in the parish, but sees herself in an unseen role to her priest/deacon-husband that too should be respected. ...My grandmother kept her husband in check, letting him know about the rules governing what is appropriate and what is not.
She would 'nudge' him in the right direction. ...
I would not necessarily see this a charism of the presbytera, but of all wives in general  . It certainly applies to my bride. John [ 06-05-2002: Message edited by: bisantino ]
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You are right, John, it is up to the priest's wife herself to decide how she will fit in, not be told by the parish what her role is. She has a special status in our Ukrainian Catholic Church, and she is loved as Panimatka no matter what her role ends up being specifically. Some are active in parish activities, some are more passive and are just there, to listen, whatever...everyone will have different talents and personality and will need to find their nitch in this important role.
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Dear Bisantino,
Well, anyone who can raise six children is already God's Champion, to be sure!
Alex
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Thanks Diak for the info. I will be leaving today and stop in probably tomorrow. Now that I have the numbers, I can speak to someone before going. I will try also to look into the monastary, but am unsure due to time. It's encouraging to hear that there are Eastern Catholic military chaplains. Very cool! From my Eparchy! Makes me proud! [Sr. ?] Sharon, I also agree with you that the Presbytera plays a very important role for the married priest, and should. However, I also agree that it is also up to the Presbytera whether or not she takes an actively public or private role. This will depend on the charism God has given to the Presbytera, and I do not view that either role is more or less significant. I have discussed the possiblities a number of times with my wife, and she is very supportive and encouraging, God bless her! So if that is God's plan for me, it seems to be God's plan for her also. Praise be to God!!! There was no intention to NOT include the Presbytera, I guess I ASSUMED it was a given. Of course, the married priesthood is NOT the emphasis of the Byzantine tradition! However, it IS a tradition of Byzantine Christianity, and celibacy has always been (and should be) held in the highest esteem. I believe it would also be the duty of the married priesthood to preach that celibacy is the highest call, and call young men and woman to become monks and nuns for the glory of God and help of mankind. Married priesthood is also a great call from God, and I do not feel it should be "poo-pooed" by anyone. Just my humble thoughts... God bless, All! Rich
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Alex, I learned everything I know from her!Have you thought about putting your diverse amount of knowledge down on paper......as in BOOK form? You would be an interesting read, especially for someone like me, who is not able to digest a lot of material at one sitting (I say this because of my health). There are many books of meditations with short topics, but not really books using short discussions on varied topics, ie. history of the church, or why is something so. You have a nack for explaining things in a very condenced manner. I am not saying this to flatter you, I truly think it would be an excellent resource for young and old alike. Rose 
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Dear Rose,
You are too kind!
I'm writing a book just now along the lines you've suggested.
I'll let you know how it progresses.
Alex
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Hello Mr. Dragani,
How are you? Please e-mail me privately at:
spdundas@aol.com
Thank you and God bless.
SPDundas Deaf Byzantine
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