Biblical Liberation Theology, Patristic Theology and the Ambivalence of Modernity in Orthodox and Ecumenical Perspective

Thessalia Conference Center, Melissatika (Volos), 28-30 May 2009

A  Seminar for graduate students on the theme: "Biblical Liberation Theology, Patristic Theology and the Ambivalence of Modernity in Orthodox and Ecumenical Perspective" was organized by the Volos Academy for Theological Studies in collaboration with the School of Theology, University of Heidelberg (Germany) and the School of Theology, University of Thessaloniki and took place at Thessalia Conference Center (Melissatika), Volos, from May 28 to 30, 2009.

Twenty five (25) students from both Universities, the academic team of the Volos Academy for Theological Studies and nine (9) lecturers participated and enriched the seminar with their papers, contributions and questions.

In his address to the Seminar, His Eminence, the Metropolitan of Demetrias Mr. Ignatius stressed the necessity and the importance of such initiatives, which give the chance to theologians from different contexts to meet, discuss and overcome prejudices and stereotypes. According to his Eminence, it is an urgency for the various Christian Traditions nowadays to use a common language and methods in order to support the people of God to face and confront the various economical, political and social problems.   

Papers were presented by:

• Prof.  Urlich Duchrow (University of Heidelberg),

a)Imperial neo-liberal capitalism as climax of western modernity; b) Ecological liberation theology on the basis of Gregory of Nazianz versus the Cartesian concept of the human being as "master and owner of nature"; c) intercultural resources for a new life-enhancing civilization saving the emancipative elements of modernity against modernity

• Prof. Petros Vassiliadis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Ass. Prof. Dimitrios Passakos (Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens), Lecturer Moschos Gioutzioudis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Biblical Liberation Theology: Biblical criticism, social analysis and the jubilee as criteria for judging the Modernism-Globalization connection

• Dr. Athanasios N. Papathanasiou (Editor in Chief of the Theological Journal ‘Synaxis', Athens)

Patristics I: Liberation Perspectives in Patristic Thought

• Dr. Georgios Skaltsas (Religious Teacher in Secondary Education, Athens)

Patristics II: The "modern" and "enlightening" elements of Patristic Thought

• Lecturer Christos Tsironis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

Globalization: Challenges for the Churches. Social and Economic Analysis of the new realities

• Ass. Prof. Stelios Tsompanidis (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki)

The Ecumenical Process of AGAPE from an Orthodox Perspective

• Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis (Director of the Volos Academy for Theological Studies)

Orthodoxy and Political Theology

The seminar is made possible by the generous support of the Prefecture of Magnesia and the Holy Metropolis of Demetrias.