FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brookline, MA — The Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross (HEI), in collaboration with the Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals (POCA), is pleased to announce the winners of the international essay competition titled “Advancing Christian Respect and Responsibility for Animals.”
The competition invited graduate-level students from Eastern and Oriental Orthodox seminaries and accredited theological programs in the United States and abroad to reflect critically and creatively on how Orthodox theology—patristic and contemporary—can inform a deeper Christian commitment to the care of animals and the natural environment. Essays also explored the ecumenical implications of Orthodox theological witness in addressing animal suffering and advancing ecological sustainability.
After careful review by a panel of judges, the following awards were granted:
First Prize ($1,000): Crystallia Latsara, University of Helsinki
The first-prize essay will be published in the Greek Orthodox Theological Review and in print (publication details forthcoming). The essay will also be featured on partner websites and promoted across social media platforms.
Second Prize ($500): Konstantinos Douglas, Holy Cross School of Theology
The second-prize essay will be published on partner websites and promoted on social media.
Honorable Mention: Richard (Tikhon) Entingh, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary
The judges recognized this essay for its thoughtful engagement and contribution to the conversation on Christian responsibility toward animals.
HEI and POCA extend their warm congratulations to the award recipients and sincere thanks to all participants for their theological insight, scholarly rigor, and commitment to advancing a compassionate Christian response to the care of creation.