ANASTASIOS: Missionary, Theologian, Archbishop

In-Person Registration Reopened

In response to the many heartfelt requests to attend—and in the spirit of honoring the life and legacy of the late Archbishop Anastasios—we are pleased to announce that in-person registration has been reopened. We are grateful for the extraordinary interest this conference has inspired and look forward to welcoming additional participants as we gather in remembrance, reflection, and shared witness.

Please register by using the form below and indicate whether you would like to attend in person or via livestream.

We warmly invite those who were unable to register in person to join us online. The conference will be available via livestream here.

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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

5.00pm | Vespers, Holy Cross Chapel
6.00pm | Registration and Reception, Maliotis Cultural Center of HCHC

7.30pm | Session 1: Keynote Session
    Moderators: Fr. John Chryssavgis and Fr. Luke Veronis
    Welcome Address: Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
    Keynote Address: Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania – The Legacy of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

March 3, 2025

9.30am | Session 2: Anastasios as Archbishop
    Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
    Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America: A Close Friend Remembers
    Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias: Anastasios as Archbishop
    Metropolitan Neofitos of Eldoret & Northern Kenya: Anastasios in Africa

11.00am | Session 3: 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

12.30pm | Lunch

1.45pm | Guest Remarks: Prof. Todd Johnson, Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

2.00pm | Session 4: Anastasios as Missionary
    Moderator: Presvytera Kyriaki Triantafyllidou-Bathrellos
    Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis: Evangelism and Nationalism
    Fr. John Parker: A Theology of Mission

3.30pm | Session 5: Anastasios as Educator
    Moderator: Bishop Anthony (Vrame)
    Fr. Martin Ritsi: Theological Education in Africa
    Dr. Nathan Hoppe: Theological Education in Albania
    Gabriela Hoppe: The Archbishop as the Light of Christ to Me

5.00pm | Vespers, Holy Cross Chapel
6.00pm | Dinner

7.30pm | Special Presentations
    Moderator: Fr. John Chryssavgis
    Ms. Xanthi Morfi, WCC Communication Executive Officer: A Conversation with Archbishop Anastasios of Albania
    First public screening of interview with WCC Communications
    Fr. Luke Veronis: A Candle Before the Icon of Christ

March 4, 2025

9.30am | Session 6: 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

11.00am | Session 7: Anastasios as Ecumenical Leader
    Moderator: V. Rev. Fr. Bartholomew Mercado
Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian: Archbishop Anastasios and the Quest for Unity
    Rev. Dr. Fr. Gregory Edwards: A “Doxological Symphony” – Archbishop Anastasios’ Global Impact

12.30pm | Closing Reflections

*Join us live by clicking on livestream. 

**The conference will be recorded.

***Any audio, visual, and/or audio-visual materials captured during or as a result of the Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary conference—including but not limited to recordings, photographs, video, and livestream content—are the property of Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

The conference is organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity, which operate under the auspices of Hellenic College Holy Cross.

Such materials may not be reproduced, distributed, published, or otherwise used without the prior written permission of the aforementioned institutions.