What Does Femininity Look Like in the Orthodox Church?

In a culture that often misunderstands tradition, Orthodox Christianity may seem, at first glance, like a “Christian fraternity” — rigid, exclusive, or overly male-centered. But as Ben and Ashley Langlois (popularly known as Orthodox Luigi and his wife) reveal in this heartfelt conversation, nothing could be further from the truth.

Orthodoxy offers women a deeply rooted spiritual home—one that honors the unique dignity, strength, and calling of femininity in ways that may feel unfamiliar to many raised in Western expressions of Christianity.

For many women, the journey into the Orthodox Church begins with hesitation. Some arrive simply to support a spouse or out of spiritual curiosity, only to find themselves quietly wondering, “What did I just get myself into?” But what often begins in uncertainty becomes a path to profound spiritual fulfillment. In Orthodoxy, they discover a Church that doesn’t conform to modern trends, but instead reaches deep into the soul with its ancient beauty, reverence, and rhythms of grace.

Here, femininity is not erased or sidelined, but transfigured. It finds its voice in sacred service, quiet strength, and spiritual motherhood. Women in the Church lead choirs, bake the communion bread (prosphora), create feasts for the saints, and nurture the life of the parish. Even practices that may seem strange at first—like veiling—take on new meaning. As one convert put it, “We cover what is holy and what is of value.”

This transformation doesn’t happen overnight. To embrace Orthodoxy often means learning to see the world through new eyes—to “think Orthodox.” Dr. Jeannie Constantinou’s book Thinking Orthodox has become a trusted guide for many women making this transition, helping them understand the Orthodox “phronema” (mindset) and begin to live it out.

And this faith isn’t just personal—it’s communal. Orthodox parishes are vibrant with shared life, centered not around programs or performances, but the Eucharist. After services, parishioners gather for meals that often stretch for hours. In those long conversations over food, true Christian fellowship takes root.

Whether you're simply curious about Orthodoxy or wondering how to talk with your spouse about your growing interest in the ancient faith, this conversation between Ben and Ashley will meet you with honesty, encouragement, and hope.

Join us as we explore what it means to be a woman of faith in the Orthodox Church—and how the ancient path still leads us home today. Subscribe now and become part of a community rediscovering the beauty of Christ’s Church in the modern world.

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