By: Jose Costa (Argentina)
What a cute Ethiopian Deacon is he!! I like the way he look.
Among the unique traditions of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC), the ages of Deacons is one. Kids above the age 7 are eligible to be Deacon as long as they know the basic church services and prayers. Their Virginity is their main qualifying criteria.
Virginity is a must. The informal rule is " The earlier is the better". That age is not only the age of innocence but also the age of rightousness. Who else can challenge their angel like innocence? It is a real blessing to be served by kids.
The problem comes as they get older. Like all human being, they begin to lose their innocence as they get closer and closer to the Fire age. At least they begin questioning the Hippocratic church administration, or begin complaining of the service schedules, or begin disrespecting the holy places etc... and if the worst comes they begin flirting and may lose their Virginity. Since Virginity is everything for Deacons, they will automatically lose their Deacon status and join the regular believers. It is just like falling from Grace. Disgraced Deacons will never be allowed to enter to the 'Holy of the Holy' section of the Church where the tabernacle is placed. They will also can not be Priest.
In place where getting such kids is rare [Eg. diaspora], adults who declare their virginity can be anointed to become Deacons or Priest. In a more liberal branches of EOTC such as EOTC-North America, MEN who are living with their first wife might be allowed to be Deacon and Priest.
One condition that any man (non virgin) can be a Deacon is if he is a convert. Converts are considered to be spiritual virgin after their baptism. The church history tells us that this happened in the early age of the church. Now a days, this happens rarely.
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