SYMPOSIUM ROAA 2015
GOSPEL,
CHRISTIAN FAITH AND INSTITUTIONS
PAST * PRESENT * FUTURE
Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas
8th EDITION
INTENT
Structure:
The symposium is meant to propose to the public viable, actual and inspiring ideas from Orthodox thinking via two venues: (1) conferences held by leading hierarchs, theologians and professors from North – America or elsewhere; (2) papers presented by younger theologians able to bring forward their dynamic, creative and fresh spirit. We always hoped that this initiative will contribute to the creation of a Christian orthodox forum, open to all, able to propose, in a flexible, coherent and genuine way and from an Orthodox Christian standpoint ideas for future solutions to the multiple challenges the contemporary society is confronted with.
Intent:
From the outset the symposium has been designed to be: (a) a forum able to build a modern, coherent and consistent Christian Orthodox vision; (b) a reliable and authentic witness for those looking for spiritual and intellectual resourcing while addressing some of current challenges. A relevant topic for the contemporary debates has been chosen every year.
Short thematic history and participants:
2008: Transfiguration in Christ (Union Theological Seminary - Columbia University, New York)
2009: The Cappadocians. Theology and Spirituality for 21st century (Concordia University, Montreal)
2010: Nicaea and Constantinople - a confession of faith - witness and source of unity (University of St. Thomas, St. Paul Minnesota)
2011: The Sacraments - ways of sanctification (Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute - St. Paul University, Ottawa)
2012: The Sacrament of Anointing and the Care of the Sick (Hellenic College Holy Cross - Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, Boston)
2013: Sts. Emperors Constantine and Helen and their legacy. Christian Faith in the new context of freedom. Church’s transformative dynamic between social responsibility and Christian commitment (Trinity College – University of Toronto, Toronto)
2014: Church as Communion – An Eucharistic Perspective (Duquesne University – Pittsburgh)
Among the most well-known guest–speakers we can number Metropolitan Seraphim Joanta of Germany, Prof. John McGuckin, Prof. Charles Kannegiesser, Prof. Pamela Bright, Prof. Lucian Turcescu, Prof. Peter Galadza, Prof. Paul Meyendorff, Prof. Richard Schneider, Prof. Aristotle Papanikolaou, Prof. Edith Humphrey and other young intellectuals.
Organization:
The organization of the symposium has been based on the idea of partnership: The Romanian Orthodox Archdiocese in the Americas and a local University. The Archdiocese sponsored the event while involving guest-speakers from various theological departments. This event has been designed to promote collaboration and dialogue between institutions at different levels.
Goal:
It is expected through this venue to partially overcome the gap which separates since some time the academic theology with its relevant achievements and the Church's living experience. We are convinced that from this collaboration both - Church and University - will emerge enriched: (1) the academic theology will be lighted up through the living instinct and experience of Church's life; (2) the Church will discern better the historical context of its own faith and tradition.
Furthermore, this will allow us to strengthen and affirm the already emerging Orthodox Christian leadership in North – America, vector of unity and harmony in society and in the inter-Christian and interreligious relationships.