| The Gregorian study circle in Chicago
met on May 17th at the house of Joseph E. Thomas in Hinsdale, Illinois. Professor
A.G.Thomas gave a presentation on the concept of God. Drawing upon the theological
writings of Durkheim, Paul Tillich, and other contemporary religious thinkers
he presented his own personal experiences in the Church to explain his views
on God and Christ. H.G. Mar Severios, Metropolitan of Kandanad Diocese and Professor at the Orthodox Theological Seminary was also present at the meeting. He made a remarkable contribution to the discussions following Prof. Thomas's presentation. Thirumeni made it clear that the Orthodox Church does not deny the presence of God in other religions. It only holds that there is a full revelation of God in Jesus Christ. With regard to the role of women in the Orthodox Church Thirumeni said that there is no theological basis for denying priesthood to women. It is only a matter of tradition and that when people are ready to accept a woman priest in the church women should be ordained as priests. He allows nuns in convents to take of the Altar and help in the conduct of the Eucharist. He mentioned that Bawa Thirumeni has written to the churches that women may be allowed to read the Old testament and the Epistles during the Qurbana. But people have to come forward and accept women to take an active role before he would ordain women to priesthood. The next meeting is scheduled to be held on August 3, 2002. (Report by Dr. Joseph E. Thomas.)
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