By Efi Efthymiou
In the esteemed company of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the International Theological Conference titled “Orthodox Theology in the 21st Century – Challenges and Opportunities” was officially initiated.
The Conference, hosted by the Theological School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) with the support of the Church of Greece, will continue until November 28.
The opening ceremony was held on Sunday afternoon in the packed Great Hall of the University of Athens, attended by students, clergy, and members of the public.
The Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, warmly welcomed the audience, giving special recognition to the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Archbishop of Athens, and the President of the Republic.
In his speech, Rector Siasos highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Church and the University, calling them “pillars of Hellenism.” He noted that for two centuries, numerous members of the clergy have graduated from the Theological School of the University of Athens. He emphasized the school’s support for not only the Church of Greece but also the Senior Patriarchates and the Greek Diaspora.
Addressing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Rector expressed gratitude, saying, “Your presence elevates the Conference and strengthens the bond between the University and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.” He also emphasized the significance of the event, mentioning that it is only the third such Conference in the last century.
He further stressed the University of Athens’ role in promoting the global influence of Orthodoxy and the importance of addressing contemporary challenges. “Our University serves as a center for pan-Orthodox dialogue,” he concluded.
Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens then spoke, underlining the importance of theological schools encouraging a dynamic and relevant theological discourse. He stated that this discourse should engage not only with the teachings of the Church Fathers but also with current issues.
“Theological discourse is always relevant. The connection between Theology and today’s world has a dual nature: it can provide solutions to modern human concerns while also being influenced by global crises, the environmental crisis, and more. These challenges challenge the established norms,” Archbishop Ieronymos remarked.
He also pointed out that new challenges often arise from technological advancements and rapid progress. “Conflicts, refugees, inequality, and poverty are ongoing issues. Theological discourse cannot ignore these realities. Despite technological advancements, a significant part of the population still lives in dire conditions. The challenges faced by humanity in the 21st century echo those of the 16th century,” he noted. He also emphasized the need for inter-Christian dialogue and advancements in pastoral theology. In conclusion, he expressed the Church of Greece’s support for the Conference, saying, “We endorse this Conference under our auspices and wish the organizers success.”
Dean Emmanuel Karageorgoudis of the Theological School followed, highlighting the deep connection between Theology and society. He stressed the importance of a reflective approach to theological education, moving beyond memorization to foster genuine theological comprehension.
“This is a dynamic process that involves the entire individual. Every new piece of knowledge leads to deeper understanding and raises new questions. True theological knowledge requires an interpretation of texts that overcomes biases,” he explained.
In his remarks, Dean Karageorgoudis acknowledged the crucial role of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in raising awareness about the environmental crisis long before it gained global attention. “His presence at this Conference is more than an honor,” he noted.
“There is a theology that goes beyond words, revealed through service and the responsible exercise of ecclesiastical leadership. It is like the mosaic pieces that form the Church as a whole. This theology is not confined to academic theory but transforms into a ministry of love and accountability,” he added.
The Dean also detailed the structure of the Conference, which is divided into eight thematic sessions addressing modern theological challenges. “Theology is a living conversation with God, humanity, and nature. Its theoretical understanding arises from internal reflection. May this gathering evolve into a Conference of Theology as Light,” he concluded.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew then spoke to the audience, reflecting on the importance and opportunity for theology to communicate its message in a relevant and timely manner.
“Ecclesiastical theology cannot ignore the lived experiences of the Church’s members. Modern Christians do not live in the time of Christ, the Byzantine Empire, or the so-called ‘era of the Antichrist.’ They live in specific historical moments, across diverse cultural landscapes, facing tangible problems and navigating the complexities and opportunities of our era. It is to them that the Church and its theology must speak, working towards the transformation of this world,” he stated.
The Patriarch emphasized that in our era, the Church and theology confront new realities and significant challenges, requiring an informed and perceptive engagement with contemporary historical conditions. “It is essential for theology to remain relevant and not adopt a defensive stance. The present is not just a time marker or ‘current events’—it encompasses time in a broader sense,” he explained.
He identified two major challenges for theology today: the religious challenge and the new anthropology shaped by modern cultural influences.
The Patriarch highlighted that any analysis of global issues or planning for the future must consider the role of religions. “With the resurgence of non-Christian religions, it has been argued that the greatest challenge for Christianity today is not secularization but engagement with these religions,” he noted.
He also recognized the dual nature of religion in the modern world, noting that while religious violence persists, efforts towards interfaith collaboration and the promotion of religions as peacemakers are also gaining momentum. “The well-known slogan ‘No peace among peoples without peace among religions’ remains crucial for the future of humanity. Religious partnerships play a crucial role in tackling global challenges such as ecological crises, migration issues, social and political conflicts, major natural disasters, and religious fundamentalism,” emphasized Patriarch Bartholomew. He also highlighted the importance of addressing anthropological issues in the context of modernity, which can impact inter-Christian relations and create tensions within Churches and Confessions. The Patriarch called for the development of an “ecumenically accepted Christian anthropology” to address these challenges.
Furthermore, he cautioned against the dangers of excessive reliance on scientific methods, known as “scientism,” which can have negative consequences for both humanity and the environment. He stressed the need for Christian theology to resist religious fundamentalism and promote shared humanitarian values across different religious traditions.
Patriarch Bartholomew also called for sincere theological dialogue within the broader Christian world, emphasizing the importance of engaging with contemporary realities and avoiding introversion. He highlighted the significance of having dynamic theologians with exceptional theological education, ecclesiastical ethos, and a deep understanding of the modern world to effectively convey the message of salvation in Christ.
Overall, the Patriarch underscored the importance of religious partnerships and theological dialogue in addressing global issues and promoting shared humanitarian values across different religious traditions.
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