FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brookline, MA — May 20, 2025— The Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross is proud to announce an upcoming conference focused on relations and dialogue between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches. Titled “Eastern-Oriental Churches Relations: Reassessing the Dialogue and Moving Toward Communion,” the event will gather hierarchs, theologians, educators, and students for an in-depth exploration of decades of official dialogue between the two churches.
Dates: November 4–6, 2025 | Venue: Holy Cross School of Theology, Brookline, MA
The second half of the twentieth century saw an important series of meetings between the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox church families. The resulting documents were formally received by only a small number of churches from either side, while the rest have yet to offer an official response. What is holding them back? One of the impediments to progress lies with the incomplete reception within each of the two families.
Our conference seeks to contribute to the official Eastern-Oriental dialogues by deepening its reception among the Eastern Orthodox. How have they understood the dialogues—their insights and promise as well as the issues that need further study and articulation? What has happened in our churches during the three decades since the final meeting in Chambésy? Participants will address theological, liturgical, and pastoral questions. Leading scholars and hierarchs, as well as educators and students, will revisit the agreed statements, share current research, discuss outstanding obstacles and unheard voices, and explore contemporary modes of cooperation and how our churches can move forward toward restoration of communion. Responses will follow by prominent representatives from Oriental Orthodox churches.
For more information or to register, please contact the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at hei@hchc.edu
About the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC
The Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross seeks to facilitate and advance dialogue with other churches and faiths, particularly around theological and ethical, as well as pastoral and practical dimensions of contemporary issues and social challenges of our time. It strives to explore and express the fundamental ethos of the Orthodox Church in open encounters and honest engagement with other confessions and communities.
For more information about the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC, contact Elena Kontogli at ekontogli@hchc.edu.