Why Are Only Men Allowed

Why Are Only Men Allowed to Participate in Mahlet (Wereb) Before Qidase in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church? In the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, the portion of the service called Mahlet or Wereb the chanting and hymns performed before the Divine Liturgy (Qidase) is traditionally led by male clergy and deacons. This practice is rooted in ancient apostolic tradition, biblical symbolism, and the liturgical structure of the Church. Here are the key reasons: 1. Liturgical and Priestly Role Mahlet is more than just singing it is a liturgical function that prepares the sanctuary for Qidase. It is part of the diaconal (deacon’s) role, which, according to the Church's tradition, is reserved for men. The Old Testament foreshadows this order, where only the male Levites were set apart to serve in the temple. In the New Testament and in Orthodox tradition, this is seen as fulfilled and continued in the male diaconate and priesthood, who carry out priestly services including liturgical chant. 2. Symbolism: Christ and the Church The liturgy represents a mystical reality: Christ the Bridegroom offering Himself to His Bride, the Church. The clergy represent Christ, and the congregation represents the Church. Since the deacon’s and priest’s roles are icons of Christ’s priesthood, the Church reserves these visible, priestly, preparatory roles to men. Women, as part of the bride (the faithful Church), participate in a different but no less important way through prayer, reverence, and spiritual offering. 3. Women Can Participate — in Their Place It is very important to know that women are not excluded from Mahlet spiritually. While only ordained male deacons chant at the front, women are very much encouraged to join in the praises from the women’s side of the church. Women may echo the Mahlet in reverence and worship, from their section of the church. Just as the angels and faithful in heaven chant in harmony, men and women praise together, each in their respective order and place. This is not exclusion, but a liturgical ordering that reflects the beauty of unity in distinction a heavenly harmony. 4. Spiritual Equality, Different Roles In Christ, “there is neither male nor female” in terms of salvation and grace (Galatians 3:28). However, the Church preserves distinct liturgical roles that reflect divine order, not inequality. Women have always played powerful roles in the Church: St. Mary, the Myrrh-bearing Women, martyrs, prophetesses, and spiritual mothers like St. Tekle Haymanot’s mother. While they may not chant Mahlet at the altar, women contribute deeply to the worship, teaching, and spiritual life of the Church. 5. Preservation of Tradition The Ethiopian Orthodox Church guards the liturgical inheritance given by the Apostles and Fathers like St. Yared, who established the Zema (chanting) tradition. Mahlet is taught and passed down in church schools, traditionally to boys who are prepared for clerical service. Preserving this structure honors the continuity of the Church’s sacred order across centuries. In Conclusion: Women are not excluded from Mahlet they participate with reverence from their designated side of the church, praising God alongside the men. The leading of Mahlet by male deacons is part of the priestly and liturgical order, not a judgment of spiritual worth. Both men and women glorify God together, in a harmonious and heavenly order, reflecting the eternal worship in heaven. May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance