Join Us!
​The Empowering Orthodox Women (EOW) Conference is part of a series focusing on the entities that encompass the church. Based on expressed needs, we chose to start with the women in our lives; our mothers, sisters, daughters, extended family and friends.
Additionally, this conference aims to raise funds for the mortgage of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in NJ, Inc. This two-fold mission will have a lasting impact on the Oriental Orthodox community by fostering spiritual growth and supporting the financial stability of our church.
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Register Online & Save!
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Secure your spot and support our mission!
Empowering Orthodox Women Conference
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
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Time: Doors Open at 9:30am
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Location: St. Mark's Syriac Orthodox Cathedral
55 West Midland Ave
Paramus, NJ 07652
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Tickets: $30 (Online) 12 years+
$35 (At the Door) 12 years+
OPEN TO ALL!!​
This event is open to everyone—men, women, and youth—who are interested in learning about the lives and roles of women in the church. All are welcome to join us for this inspiring and informative experience!
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Please note that tickets are non-refundable.
All are Welcome!
​Join us for a day with esteemed guest speakers and interactive sessions that promise to inspire and engage. Enjoy refreshments throughout the event and participate in our fundraiser featuring unique Oriental Orthodox items available for bidding.
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The event is open to all—men, women, and youth ages 12 and up—with a ticket. Come ready to connect, learn, grow, and deepen your spiritual journey in a community of like-minded individuals. We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you!
EMERGE Online
Preserving Tradition, Inspiring Reflection
Welcome to EMERGE Online—your destination for meaningful, timeless pieces that honor both heritage and modernity. We’re not just about essentials; we’re about creating staples that stand the test of time. Every item in our collection, from cultural artifacts to spiritual memorabilia and books, is designed with purpose and care, reflecting our dedication to quality, longevity, and community empowerment.
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At EMERGE Online, we believe in connecting tradition with today’s world, offering pieces that inspire reflection and enrich your personal collection. Explore our uniquely crafted selection and join us in supporting our mission of preserving tradition and empowering future generations.
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Shop now to find something truly special!
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.
Online submissions are due by September 27, 2024.
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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 October 5th at 3:30 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!
Indulge in Ethiopian Culture and Traditions
Join us for a rich cultural experience where you can savor the authentic flavors of Ethiopian coffee and food while enjoying the melodic sounds of the traditional Begena instrument. Immerse yourself in Ethiopia’s vibrant heritage through its coffee ceremony and the soothing, spiritual music that reflects centuries of history. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the heart and soul of Ethiopia with us!
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Discover the origins of coffee by experiencing an authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Ethiopia, known as the birthplace of coffee, invites you to savor its rich, bold flavors while learning about the tradition and history behind every cup. Indulge in a cultural journey that blends taste with heritage.
Ethiopian Instrument: Begena
Uncover the history of the Begena, known as the "Lyre of David." This ancient Ethiopian instrument, cherished for its deep, meditative tones, has been a symbol of spiritual reflection and devotion for centuries. Let its soothing melodies transport you to the heart of Ethiopia's musical heritage.
Ethiopian Food: Injera and Wat
Savor the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia with injera and wat, a staple combination that offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The spongy injera serves as both a plate and bread, soaking up the hearty, spiced stews (wat) for a truly authentic taste of Ethiopian culture.
Empowering Speakers
Our esteemed speakers bring both spiritual and historical depth to the conference. The Homilist, a dedicated deacon within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, will set the stage by honoring the history and legacy of the Virgin Mary, grounding the event in tradition and reverence. Our Emcee, a deacon from the Coptic Orthodox Church, will guide the program, ensuring a seamless and engaging flow throughout the event.
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The Hostess and Event Director, chair of the St. Mariam's Women's Guild within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, will welcome and lead the proceedings, embodying the spirit of community and leadership. Finally, our Keynote Speaker, representing the Eritrean Orthodox Church, will share insightful reflections on the history of women and their significant roles within the Orthodox faith, offering a profound exploration of women's impact across centuries.
Empowering Panelists
Representing the six Oriental Orthodox Churches—Armenian, Coptic, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Knanaya (Indian), and Syrian —we are proud to feature our inspiring women panelists. With diverse backgrounds across various professional fields, these women embody faith and commitment, not only in their educational, professional, and personal lives but also as dedicated servants of their faith. Join us to hear their perspectives and discover how they navigate life as Orthodox women in the 21st century.
ABOUT
THEME
Understanding the Role of Women in the Church Through Newness and Renewal of Commitment
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
- Strengthening a Woman's Relationship with God
- Understanding the Role of Women in the Church
- Deepening a Woman's Spiritual Well-being
- Unifying Women within the Oriental Orthodox Community
- Growing through Wisdom and Spiritual Grace
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 October 5, 2024. Registration starts at 10am. The event will proceed rain or shine.
Q: What is the location of the conference?
A: The conference will take place at 55 West Midland Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652. 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 black Buy Ticket, Sponor Package, Donate button at the top of the page or at the door.
Q: Is there a registration fee?
A: Yes, the registration fee is $30 online and $35 at the door.
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 access to all conference sessions, workshops, and refreshments.
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.