By Elder Sophrony of Essex
Writings of holy women do not exist. This is not because there are fewer holy women than men. There are more holy women, but holy women have hidden lives and can safeguard the mystical life. The Panagia received great Grace from God. We do not have revelations that came from the Panagia, but we know that she has great Grace and the Church feels this together with all those who pray to her.
Further, women were not required to guide flocks who would reveal their experiences. Those who left us a few words, were Abbesses. But even the [male] saints would have been silent and we would not have their writings if there was no need as responsible persons, as Pastors of the Church, to guide their flocks.
Source: I Knew A Man In Christ: The Life and Times of Elder Sophrony, the Hesychast and Theologian (Οίδα άνθρωπον εν Χριστώ: Βίος και πολιτεία του Γέροντος Σωφρονίου του ησυχαστού και θεολόγου) by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou. Translation by John Sanidopoulos.
