The answer
Your Protestant friend is right regarding women speaking in church; but as a Protestant he may not understand the complete meaning concerning the Liturgical rites. Women do not have an ecclesiastical role. For women to not speak in church, it means that they cannot engage in the Liturgical rites which are designated only for the ranks of the priesthood and the deacons. Men may participate in readings before the church or may give sermons. As members of the congregation, women can only sing along with the chanters during the Divine Liturgy. However, as it was evident, many women served with St. Paul, as well as with Christ. Some of these women taught, evangelized, prophesied, donated goods, and expressed their faith and service in numerous ways, other than through ecclesiastical or Liturgical rites (1 Corinthians 14:34,35).Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)