Therefore, O Bishop, appoint for thyself workers of righteousness and
helpers, to help with thee to life, electing those who please thee from
all the people (S. and appoint Deacons). The man who is elected
is for many oversights that are required, but a woman for the service of
the women ; for there are houses where thou canst not send a Deacon
to the women on account of the heathen. Send a Deaconess for many
things. The office of a woman Deaconess is required, first, when women
go down to the water, it is necessary that they be anointed by a Deaconess,
and it is not fitting that the anointing oil should be given to a woman to
touch ; but rather the Deaconess. For it is necessary for the Priest who
baptizeth, to anoint her who is baptized ; but when there is a woman,
and especially a Deaconess, it is not fitting for the women that they be
seen by the men, but that by the laying on of the hand the head alone be
f. 55 b anointed, as of old time the Priests and Kings of Israel were anointed.