Metropolitan Shio (Mujiri) of Senaki and Chkhorotsqu, the Locum Tenens (acting representative) of the Patriarchal Throne, stated that the Church highly values the role of women in both ecclesiastical life and society at large. At the same time, he noted that the Church does not accept and opposes any approach that diminishes the significance of a woman as a mother and a spouse.
According to him, women possess a “universalism,” balancing family responsibilities, professional work, and church ministry, as well as the practice of offering prayers for both the living and the departed.
Locum Tenens Shio also emphasized that equality between men and women does not imply the erasure of natural differences or the identical nature of their respective callings.
In his sermon, he recalled the Feast of the Myrrh-bearing Women, noting their faith, courage, and devotion to Christ, as well as the Church’s veneration of female saints and the role of women in the history of Christianity.
It should be noted that the Feast of the Myrrh-bearing Women is an Orthodox day of remembrance for the women who followed Jesus Christ and were the first to arrive at His tomb after the crucifixion. According to the Gospel, these women came to the tomb early in the morning to anoint Christ’s body with fragrant oils (myrrh) according to custom. Among them were Mary Magdalene and other female disciples. They were the first to learn of Christ’s Resurrection when they saw that the tomb was empty and an angel announced the news to them.
In Orthodox tradition, this is also considered “Orthodox Women’s Day” and is sometimes perceived as the ecclesiastical equivalent of March 8th (International Women’s Day). It is celebrated on the second Sunday after Pascha (Easter).