The 16th Annual Theological Conference of the Orthodox St. Tikhon’s University for Humanities is opened in Moscow

The 16^th Annual Theological Conference of the Orthodox St. Tikhon’s University for Humanities (OTUH) opened on 26 January 2006 with a plenary session at the conference hall of Humanities Faculties of the Moscow State University.

Among the present were: Archbishop Evgeny of Vereia, Rector of the Moscow Theological Seminary and Academy, chairman of the educational committee of the Russian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Vladimir Vorobiev, the OTUH Rector, representative of the Georgian Orthodox Church bishop Stephan of Tsager and Lentekh, professor of St. Sergius Theological Institute in Paris Archpriest Nicholas Ozolin, OTUH professors, lecturers and students. Participating in the conference are theologians, secular and church scientists, representatives of leading educational establishments of Russia, the CIS and other countries.

In his opening address, Archpriest Vladimir Vorobiev noted the increasing interest to the OTUH annual conference for the last 16 years. The conference is growing, the number of the speakers exceeds the frameworks of the conference. Over 250 reports are to be delivered at this forum.

Archbishop Evgeny read out the greeting address of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Russia to the participants in the conference. The Patriarch points out to ‘the rapid creative development of the Orthodox St. Tikhon’s University for Humanities’, fruitful cooperation between theological and academic sciences in the frameworks of the conference, and unity between science and education realized in the University.

Bishop Stephan greeted the forum on behalf of the Georgian Orthodox Church. In his speech he underscored the importance of strengthening theological bonds between the University and the Georgian Church. Archpriest Nicholas Ozolin conveyed the greeting address of the academic council of St. Sergius Institute in Paris.

The conference will work on 26-28 January 2006. The following sections will be held: ‘History of the Russian Orthodox Church in the 20^th century’, ‘Non-Orthodox confessions in changing world’, ‘St. Philaret (Drozdov) and his epoch’, ‘History of Russian-Georgian Relations’, ‘Archives of the Russian Orthodox Church’, ‘History of Missions’, ‘Practical missionary work’ and others. Also in the program are round tables: ‘Problems of Modern Theological Education’, ‘Church and Empire’, ‘Center for supporting convicts’ and others.

Blagovet-info