Ecumenism, the movement to unify all of the various Christian confessions and by extension all religions, is certainly one of most important pillars of contemporary globalization. In spite of this, however, in the 100+ years of the modern ecumenical movement’s existence there has not been an inter-Orthodox academic examination and critique. Until now.

From September 20-24, 2004, in Ceremony Hall at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and under the aegis of the Department of Pastoral and Social Theology of the School of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Society of Orthodox Studies, the Inter-Orthodox Theological Conference “Ecumenism: Origins - Expectations - Disenchantment” will be held. This historic pan-Orthodox conference, which will include bishops, clergy and professors from nearly every local Orthodox Church, includes on its academic committe the Dean of the School of Theology of the University of Athens Archpriest George Metallinos, the President of the Deptartment of Pastoral Theology of the University of Thessaloniki, Despo Lialiou, and on its organizing committee the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Xeropotamou on Mount Athos, Archimandrite Joseph. Speakers at the conference include His Emminence Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos (Greece), His Grace Bishop Panteleimon of Ghana (Pat. of Alexandria), His Grace Bishop Artemy of Raska and Prizren (Kossovo, Pat. of Serbia), His Eminence Metropolitan of Montenegro Amphilochije (Pat. of Serbia), His Grace Bishop Atanasije (Yevtich),retired bishop of Herzegovina (Pat. of Serbia), His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Nevrokop (Pat. of Bulgaria), representatives from most local Churches and numerous clergy and professors of theology.

For the complete program and more information visit the Orthodox Logos site. 

Posted on 09/16/04| Filed under: Ecclesia • Ecclesiology: The Church and Ecumenism • Email This Entry