International Conference Examines Orthodox Theology’s Role in 21st Century Challenges

His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed an international conference titled “Orthodox Theology in the 21st Century: Challenges and Perspectives,” organized by the School of Theology of the University of Athens. The event took place in Greece and featured the presence of the president of the Hellenic Republic, Ekaterini Sakellaropoulou, and other official guests. The conference aimed to explore the evolving role of Orthodox theology in contemporary society.

The gathering attracted over 150 participants from around the world, including theologians, scientists, and artists. The discussions spanned a range of topics, focusing on theological reflection and its engagement with modern challenges. Parallel workshops explored diverse themes, reflecting the breadth of interests and concerns within the Orthodox tradition.

In his keynote address, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the need for theology to remain relevant in the 21st century. He referenced a statement made three years prior, highlighting that theology’s DNA includes “relevance,” defined as the ability to articulate its message in a timely manner. He quoted Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon, stating that “Truth is not betrayed when it is incarnated in every historical era. It is betrayed when it is preserved, as if in a museum, out of fear of being contaminated by history.”

Patriarch Bartholomew stressed that the Church and its theology must address the realities of contemporary Christians, who live in a specific historical moment with distinct cultural contexts and challenges. He argued that theology should engage with these realities to transform the world, rather than remain detached from the lived experiences of the faithful.

He acknowledged the new conditions and significant challenges faced by the Church in the modern era. The encounter with the contemporary world, he said, must occur in fidelity to the Church’s traditions and teachings. This balance between tradition and relevance was presented as a central theme of the conference, reflecting ongoing theological and pastoral considerations within the Orthodox community.

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