The gospel writers make it clear that the first witnesses to the Resurrection of Jesus were women. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce the news to his disciples. In Eastern Orthodox Christiaan tradition the Myrrhbearers are venerated — those women with myrrh (an embalming spice) who came to the tomb of Christ on Easter morning to find it empty. A patriarchal society would not make up a story featuring the testimony of women. Perhaps the real reason the women became the first apostles was their charity. They arose early in the morning to care for the dead and for that act of kindness they were given the privilege of meeting the Risen Lord.
