| Matushka's Page |
Who is this Lady that blends into the background? Often seen, but seldom photographed, she is always there to greet Visitors. She is singing in the Choir, preparing for the Coffee Hour, taking pictures. Some of the young people in the Choir look like her, and even the Priest looks a little like her. That is the Matushka, the Wife of the Priest. |
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| What in the world is a Matushka? Most people outside of the Orthodox Christian world, and more particularly, that part of the Orthodox world which comes out of Russia, are wholly unfamiliar with both the word and the concept. Matushka literally means "little mother" in the Russian language, and is a loving, respectful "honorific" so to speak. In Russia, sometimes, a priest or Father is lovingly referred to as Batushka, "little father." |
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In the Greek tradition, the corresponding honorific is "Presvytera"; in the Arabic countries, "Khouria"; in the Carpatho-Russian, Serbian and Romanian Churches, there are other similar words, all which refer to the Orthodox Christian Priest's Wife. Yes, in Orthodox Christianity, unlike the modern elimination of the tradition made by the Roman Church, Parish Priests are almost Always married men. What is the role of a Matushka? Within the Church, there is absolutely NO "official" role for the Priest's wife. They are not hired by the Parish nor sent to be its Pastor by the Bishop. Unlike their husbands, they are no more or less "under authority" than any other Orthodox Christian. A priest's wife is not a member of the Clergy, but rather, is part of the laity of the Church. Yet in reality, a clergy wife is neither fish nor fowl; she is counted among the laity but still has a special and traditionally respected "office" or duty to the Church, so to speak. What is that special "office"? When asked this question, an Orthodox Bishop once told the wife of a newly ordained Priest that her primary role was to "be herself." She, like all other Christians, was called to put to as good use as possible the varying talents and skills which God had given her, and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to use these in service to Christ and His Church, His Holy Body. That being her primary "directive", the secondary role simply stated is to attempt to be a good and supportive wife, and to be both a nurturing and a sympathetic (sometimes critical) ear to an often overly busy or stressed out husband who, year round, is on call 24-7. Likewise, when the couple has been blessed with children, these young ones will often find themselves with their own father tending first to the needs of others - sometimes even on their own birthdays or on holidays or when an important basketball game is being played. The children need at least one parent who can "be there" for them, and who can help keep the home fires burning for the good of the entire family. The third segment to that unofficial and unspoken "office" of the Matushka is to be just that - to unconditionally love and try to BE a "little mother" to the broad range of people who God has given in holy trust to her husband, who acts as their shepherd in service to and in the name of Christ our Lord. Some who are married to an Orthodox Christian Priest have talents, skills, the desire or the financial imperative to work at some job or profession outside the home. In other clergy families, as is our case, there has been the decision to remain or return to being stay at home mothers, and in some cases, mothers who also educate their own children (homeschool). Some clergy wives have special skills in music, and may find themselves singing in or leading the Church's Choir. Some may have a special skill or calling to work with children, and may volunteer to help with Children's Church School. Some may have experience or an inclination towards secretarial or accounting work, and may volunteer (or in some cases, be officially hired) to serve in this way within their Parish. Others may volunteer to cook, sew liturgical vestments or altar pieces, help with the gardening or serve the Church in a multitude of other ways. However, let us be clear that NONE of these are "the official role" of the Matushka. These things are the expression of God's spirit working in individuals who have been variously gifted by God, and who are responsible, as are all Christians, to in love serve Him and put these talents to use. One of the "unofficial" responsibilities one has as a Clergy Wife is to be open to and to hold as a confidential, sacred trust any confidence, counseling or just plain listening which one might be entrusted to us by Parishioners or friends. Just as private matters shared with the Priest stay within his heart and domain, so do they with the Matushka. (That is, unless the one confiding has asked that certain information be passed on to Father, for special prayers and such.) Sometimes there are women (or men, for that matter) who have a special need or concern and feel more comfortable to share the situation with a woman, with the Parish's "mother." So, we who live this role, while not being Priests nor confessors nor spiritual Fathers, are available as spiritual friends, to offer a prayerful heart and a listening ear, when that is needed. As for myself, besides homemaking and being a full-time instructor to our three daughters, I am best at writing, cooking and at behind the scenes, clerical-type support. Therefore, I help with the web site, do web site photography, send out email newsletters and press releases, as well as having volunteered for the project of writing and editing a new Parish Cookbook, which we pray, will help financially support the various ministries of St. George's as well as contributing to Orthodox ministry and outreach. Editing and preparing the new cookbook has been very enjoyable. If any of you would like to contribute a special recipe to aid in this project, please contact me by email at mateliza@aol.com . Please share your name, where or with whom the recipe originated, and, the name and location of your Parish. Recipes can be for feasting, fasting or every day meals - of any type or ethnic origin. It would be wonderful if you could share a recipe or two for this project! Yours in Christ, Matushka Elizabeth Perdomo |
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