The International Theological Conference titled “Theological Legacy and Ecumenical Perspective: A Conference in Memory of Metropolitan John D. Zizioulas of Pergamon” began on November 5, 2024, with an address by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The conference aimed to honor the memory and contributions of Metropolitan John of Pergamon, a theologian, professor, and academic who significantly impacted the Church, sacred science, and spiritual culture. The conference highlighted the importance of engaging theology with the contemporary world while remaining faithful to the Tradition of the Great Fathers of the Church.
Metropolitan John emphasized the need for Orthodoxy to respond to modern challenges, particularly in the face of technological advancements and cultural changes. He believed that Orthodoxy’s strengths could be used to creatively engage with modern culture and effect transformation. The Ecumenical Patriarch acknowledged the Metropolitan’s valuable contributions to the Orthodox Church, particularly during the preparation and realization of the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in 2016.
The Metropolitan’s interventions during the council’s deliberations, especially regarding the use of terminology and theological concepts, were pivotal in shaping the final texts. His focus on Eucharistic ecclesiology and theological ecology were highlighted as invaluable contributions of Orthodox theology to global theological dialogue. The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that Metropolitan John’s legacy would continue to influence theological discourse and environmental protection efforts for generations to come. The opening lines of the introduction to the late Metropolitan of Pergamon’s work, titled “Remembering the Future: Toward an Eschatological Ontology,” emphasize that eschatology is not just a doctrine but a way of life that encompasses past, present, and future. The Metropolitan’s groundbreaking perspective within Orthodox theology challenges the marginalization of the second coming of the Lord. The Ecumenical Patriarch honors his contributions to pan-Orthodox unity, inter-Christian dialogue, and resistance against ethnic divisions within Orthodoxy. The theological legacy of Metropolitan John of Pergamon focuses on “dialogical theology,” bridging tradition with contemporary contexts. The conference organized in collaboration with the Academy of Theological Studies in Volos and the Center for Orthodox Christian Studies at Fordham University will explore the Metropolitan’s legacy in depth. The full text of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s address can be found in the provided link.
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