ANASTASIOS: Missionary, Theologian, Archbishop

An international conference “Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary” will be held on March 2–4, 2026, at Holy Cross School of Theology to mark the first anniversary since the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

Organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity, the conference will explore the life and legacy of Archbishop Anastasios, a leading figure in contemporary Orthodoxy known for his commitment to interfaith understanding, evangelical outreach, and ecumenical reconciliation.

The program will feature presentations from prominent hierarchs and distinguished theologians from all over the world, along with selected academic papers, examining his role as theologian, missionary, and archbishop. Presentations and panels will explore the life, witness, and impact of Archbishop Anastasios through a series of thematic sessions, each focusing on a different dimension of his extraordinary ministry and leadership. Discussions will highlight his pioneering work as an archbishop, his contributions to theology and interfaith dialogue as a scholar, and his groundbreaking ministry in Africa and Albania as a missionary. Attention will also be given to the intersection of evangelism, culture, and nationalism, as well as the practical preparation of missionaries for service in diverse contexts. The gathering will conclude with reflections on the late Archbishop’s role in fostering ecumenical relations, including his involvement in global and regional church dialogues. Along with liturgical services and personal reflections, the program will provide a comprehensive view of his enduring legacy.

PROGRAM

March 2, 2025

5:00 PM
Vespers
Holy Cross Chapel

6:00 PM
Registration and Reception, Maliotis Cultural Center of HCHC

7:00 PM
Session I: Keynote Session
Moderator: Fr. John Chryssavgis

Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America: Precious Personal Reflections

Rev. Dr. Luke Veronis: A Candle Before the Icon of Christ

Gabriella Hoppe: The Archbishop as the Light of Christ to Me

March 3, 2025

9:30 AM
Session II: Anastasios as Archbishop
Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou

Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias: Anastasios as Primate

Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret & Northern Kenya: Anastasios in Africa

11:00 AM
Session III: Anastasios as Theologian
Moderator: Dr. James Skedros

Dr. Nikolaos Tsirevelos: Interfaith Theology and Coexistence

Prof. Angeliki Ziaka: Religious Studies at the Service of Reconciliation and Interreligious Dialogue

12:30 PM
Lunch

1:45 PM
Special Presentation
Prof. Todd Johnson: Center for the Study of Global Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

2:00 PM
Session IV: Anastasios as Missionary
Moderator: Presvytera Kyriaki Bathrellou

Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis: Evangelism and Nationalism

Fr. John Parker: A Theology of Mission

3:30 PM
Session V: Anastasios as Educator
Moderator: Bishop Anthony (Vrame)

Fr. Martin Ritsi: Theological Education in Africa

Dr. Nathan Hoppe: Theological Education in Albania

5:00 PM
Vespers, Holy Cross Chapel

6:00 PM
Dinner at HCHC

7:30 PM
Special Presentation
Moderator: Fr. John Chryssavgis

A Conversation with Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

First public presentation of unpublished audiovisual material from the World Council of Churches Communications

Ms. Xanthi Morfi, WCC Communication Executive Officer

March 4, 2025

9:30 AM
Session VI: Theology and Mission in Action
Moderator: Dr. Bruce Beck

Prof. Dimitra Koukoura: Preparing Missionaries for the Church

Ms. Anastasia Pamela Barksdale: Beyond Building Churches… Building a Church

11:00 AM
Session VII: Anastasios as Ecumenical Leader
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Philip Halikias

Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian: Archbishop Anastasios and the Quest for Unity

Ms. Katerina Pekridou: From Liturgy to Life: Toward a Missional Anthropology

12:30 PM
Closing Reflections
Fr. John Chryssavgis & Fr. Luke Veronis

The conference will be live-streamed and recorded. To register, please fill out the form below and indicate your interest in attending (in-person or online). For any other inquiries, email hei@hchc.edu.