The “Saint-Serge” Institute in Paris, a renowned center for Orthodox theological research, is commemorating its 100th anniversary this year.
The centennial celebration will kick off on May 3 with a conference focusing on the institute’s rich history. Subsequently, on September 20, an academic day will take place, along with a Divine Liturgy to mark the start of the new academic year.
Furthermore, from November 27–29, the institute will host an international colloquium discussing its theological legacy, titled: “L’héritage théologique de Saint-Serge et ses perspectives d’avenir” (“The Theological Legacy of Saint-Serge and Its Future Perspectives”).
100 Years of History
Established in 1924 by Metropolitan Eulogius (Guéorguievsky), the institute has been instrumental in theological education and fostering inter-Orthodox and ecumenical dialogue, officially commencing its operations on April 30, 1925.
The institute’s roots can be traced back to the Russian Orthodox exile post the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Initially located in a former German Lutheran church, it was acquired with the support of donors.
From its inception, the institute aimed to create a prestigious academic hub that would attract and educate prominent theologians. Notable alumni include Sergei Bulgakov, Anton Kartashev, Georgi Fedotov, Fr. Georges Florovsky, and Fr. Vasily Zenkovsky.
Prior to World War II, the institute was granted the authority to confer academic degrees in theology and actively participated in the ecumenical movement, collaborating with the World Council of Churches.
Since 1953, it has been hosting the annual “Week of Liturgical Studies,” a significant academic gathering in the field.
Several Romanian theologians who studied at the Saint-Serge Institute in Paris went on to become hierarchs of the Romanian Orthodox Church, including Metropolitan Teofan of Moldavia and Bukovina, Metropolitan Serafim of Germany, Central and Northern Europe, Bishop Siluan of Italy, Bishop Nectarie of Ireland and Iceland, and Archbishop-elect Atanasie of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In 2009, the Saint-Serge Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris bestowed His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania with an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa).
Source: Basilica.ro
📣Centenaire de l’Institut Saint-Serge
Notez les dates !
03 mai – Liturgie de commémoration & conférences historiques
20 sept. – Journée académique & liturgie de rentrée
27-29 nov. – Colloque international : « L’héritage théologique de Saint-Serge et ses perspectives d’avenir » pic.twitter.com/Wvxlz3ytrD— Institut de théologie orthodoxe Saint-Serge (@ITOSaintSerge) March 19, 2025