Empowering Orthodox Women Conference 2025
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
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Time: Doors Open at 9:30am
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Location: St. Leon Armenian Apostolic Church
12-61 Saddle River Road
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
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Tickets: $40 (12 years+)
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A day for all: women, men, and young adults
*Please Note:
There are no processing fees when purchasing your ticket. Simply set the Givebutter contribution amount to $0 before completing your payment.
Empowering Speakers
Our esteemed speakers bring both spiritual insight and historical depth to the conference, offering perspectives that inspire, challenge, and empower Orthodox women to grow in faith and service.
We are honored to feature Keynote Speaker, Dr. Roberta Ervine, a renowned scholar and thought leader in Orthodox studies. Dr. Ervine’s work bridges history, theology, and lived experience, making her uniquely positioned to speak on “Walking in Strength and Spirit: The Power of Orthodox Femininity.” Her research and teachings illuminate the enduring impact of women in the Church and invite attendees to reflect on their own roles as nurturers, witnesses, and leaders within their communities.
Together with our panel of distinguished speakers, Dr. Ervine will guide participants through meaningful discussions, reflections, and practical insights that connect the timeless wisdom of the Saints to modern life in the Oriental Orthodox tradition.
Empowering Panelists
Representing the six Oriental Orthodox Churches—Armenian, Coptic, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Malankara (Indian), and Syrian—we are proud to feature our inspiring women panelists. With diverse backgrounds across professional, educational, and personal spheres, these women embody faith, resilience, and dedication to service within the Church.
Join us to hear their unique perspectives and experiences, and discover how Orthodox women today walk in strength and spirit, embracing their sacred roles and empowering their communities.
Get Involved
Volunteer
As part of our mission to work collectively and strengthen connections among the churches, we are inviting volunteers to come together and support this significant event. This is a wonderful chance not only to contribute to the success of the conference but also to get to know one another better within our community.
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Your role as a volunteer will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and impactful experience for all attendees. We appreciate your dedication and look forward to collaborating with you to empower and inspire women within our community.
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Ask Questions
We value your input! Before the event, we will be gathering key questions to help guide our discussions and ensure the event meets your needs.
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These questions can be submitted by women, men, or youth who plan to attend and want their voices heard. Please take a moment to share your thoughts, questions, or topics you'd like to see addressed. Your feedback will help us create a meaningful and engaging experience for all attendees. Submissions can remain anonymous.
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Sponsor
Sponsoring the Empowering Orthodox Women Conference and contributing to the mortgage of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church plays a vital role in sustaining both our spiritual and community efforts. Your sponsorship helps support the growth and empowerment of women in the Orthodox faith, fostering leadership and positive change. Additionally, it contributes directly to securing the future of our church, ensuring a permanent place of worship for generations to come. Every contribution helps strengthen our mission of faith, unity, and service.
Live Auction
We are thrilled to announce that the Live Auction is officially open! This is your opportunity to bid on three remarkable and one-of-a-kind items, each reflecting deep cultural and spiritual significance.
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How to Bid:
The auction is currently live, and you can place your bids until November 1st at 5:00 PM. Don’t miss this chance to own one or more of these extraordinary items. All proceeds go towards supporting the mortgage of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Orange, NJ and the community for generations. ​
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Register to place your bids now, and be part of something special!
ABOUT
THEME
Walking in Strength and Spirit: The Power of Orthodox Femininity
FOCUS
Our focus is to empower women within our Orthodox Christian community to strengthen their spiritual lives and deepen their relationship with God by drawing inspiration from the lives and teachings of Holy Saints who were also women. Through the True Sisterhood initiative, we aim to foster a renewed commitment to living a life pleasing to God, while honoring the legacy of our Holy Lady, the Virgin Mariam.
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By coming together as sisters, mothers, daughters, and role models, we seek to uplift one another and embody the timeless virtues exemplified by the Saints, ultimately enriching our spiritual journey and contributing to the growth and vitality of our local parish.
VISION
To inspire Orthodox Christians and seekers alike to deepen their understanding of a woman's spiritual journey with God, drawing inspiration from the life and example of the Holy Lady, the Virgin Mariam. Through our events and initiatives, we aim to empower women within our community to embrace a life rooted in Christ, fostering spiritual growth, and meaningful impact. As we honor the Mother of us all in May, we envision a future where women are encouraged to live out their faith in every aspect of their lives, enriching our Holy Church and beyond."
KEY FOCUS AREAS
1. Sacred Motherhood & Spiritual Nurturing
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Biological & spiritual motherhood
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Mentoring & preserving tradition
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Raising children in Orthodoxy
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2. Sacrifice, Suffering & Redemption
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Transforming suffering through Christ
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Grief, healing, reflection
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Stories of redemption
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3. Feminine Courage & Witness at the Cross
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Standing firm in faith
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Modern acts of witness
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4. Voice, Identity & the Double Standard
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Identity shaped by faith
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Overcoming double standards
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Finding your spiritual voice
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5. Women as Leaders in Faith, Culture & Education
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Preserving faith & culture
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Leading in education & service
Objectives & Goals
Series 1 Objective
Exploring the voices of women within the Orthodox church by:
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Learning about the Life of the Saints
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Providing platforms for women to share their perspectives, insights, and experiences.
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Fostering inclusivity and diversity in leadership.
DGKG Long Term Goal
Encouraging and empowering Orthodox Christians to have a deep commitment to living out the teachings of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints, rooted in faith, integrity, and a desire to honor God in all aspects of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Information
Q: What is the date and time of the conference?
A: The conference will take place on November 1, 2025. Registration starts at 930am. The event will proceed rain or shine.
Q: What is the location of the conference?
A: The conference will take place at 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. Directions will be provided.
Q: Who can attend the conference?
A: The conference is open to all, 12 years old and above, within the Orthodox Christian community, as well as those interested in learning about the role of women in the Orthodox Church.
Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes, ticket prices are for those 12 years old and older. However, children can attend with adult supervision. Please be mindful that we do not provide child care services. This is a conference-style event.
Registration
Q: How can I register for the conference?
A: You can register online by clicking the following link https://givebutter.com/c/duOQzs or at the door.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: Yes, the registration fee is $40.
Q: Are the tickets refundable?
A: No, the tickets are non-refundable.
Q: What is included in the registration fee?
A: The registration fee includes:
• Admission & Parking
• Access to all sessions and workshops
• Keynote address and dynamic panel conversations
• Breakout sessions & shared prayers
• Opportunities to connect and build lasting relationships
• Refreshments and international buffet lunch
• Conference materials
Q: What is the purpose of the registration fee?
A: The registration fee helps cover the costs of organizing the conference. Additionally, this event serves as a fundraiser to support the mortgage of the Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Your participation and contributions are greatly appreciated in helping us achieve this goal.
Conference Sessions and Workshops
Q: What is the theme of the conference?
A: The theme of the conference is "Understanding the Role of Women in the Church Through Newness and Renewal of Commitment."
Q: What is the focus of the conference?
A: The focus is to empower women within our Orthodox Christian community to strengthen their spiritual lives and deepen their relationship with God by drawing inspiration from the lives and teachings of Holy Saints who were also women. The conference aims to foster a renewed commitment to living a life pleasing to God, while honoring the legacy of our Holy Lady, the Virgin Mariam.
Q: What types of sessions will be available?
A: The conference will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops. During the panel discussions, attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions, which may be answered live.
Q: What topics will be covered in the workshops?
A: Workshops will cover a variety of topics related to spiritual empowerment, community engagement, financial support for the parish, education, and outreach, and continued growth and renewal.
Logistics
Q: What should I bring to the conference?
A: Attendees should bring a notepad, pen, and an open heart ready to learn and engage.
Q: Will food be provided?
A: Yes, refreshments will be provided.
Q: Is parking available at the venue?
A: Yes, parking is available at 55 West Midland Ave. There is free onsite parking.
Support and Contact
Q: How can I get more information or assistance?
A: For more information or assistance, please contact our support team at emerge@dgkg.org or 410-707-9671. We are here to help!
Q: How can I stay updated on conference news and updates?
A: Stay updated by adding your name to our listserv.
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