Eastern and Armenian Orthodox Seminaries to Host 2004 Eastern-Oriental Symposium

— St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and St Nersess Armenian Orthodox Seminary will co-sponsor an Eastern-Oriental Symposium on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. in the Metropolitan Philip Auditorium on St Vladimir’s seminary campus. The two seminaries have been co-hosting these symposia on a more or less annual basis for the past decade. According to Peter Bouteneff, who is on the symposium planning committee with Rev John Behr and Rev Daniel Findykian (dean of St Nersess), “These symposia are one small way to remind ourselves of how much the Eastern and Oriental church families share in common, in our history, theology, and in our ethos and life. They are also an occasion to reflect on our differences, and discern where those differences are really divisive, and where they reflect a healthy diversity. In short, they help shake us out of the complacency of our division.”

This year’s symposium, themed “Saints and Sanctity: shared witness, shared vocation” will feature speakers from the faculties of both seminaries, as well as scholars and churchmen from outside. Of special note is speaker Robin Darling Young, a senior patristic scholar with broad knowledge in Greek, Syrian, and Armenian traditions, who is currently on the faculty of Notre Dame.

Peter Bouteneff describes this year’s focus on saints and sanctity as “representing a turn towards the spiritual side of our Eastern-Oriental encounter. It seemed to us a good time to talk about holiness, and the ways in which our traditions have experienced it. There are saints that divide us, but what of the common example, the common edification, the common vocation which we experience in our contact with the saints?”

The symposium is open to the public although attendants must pre-register by March 8. If paid in advance, the cost for the day, including lunch, is $15.00. The cost will be $20.00 if paid at the door. All participants are invited to a 5 P.M. vespers service in the Three Hierarchs Chapel. More information (the complete list of speakers, and a printable registration form and PDF flier) is available on the St Vladimir’s Seminary website, http://www.svots.edu. To register, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with the following information: indicate “2004 Eastern-Oriental Symposium,” include name(s), address(s), daytime and evening phone number(s). Or mail information and payment to: St Vladimir’s Seminary, Attn: Eastern-Oriental Symposium, 575 Scarsdale Road, Crestwood, NY 10707.

For further information, please call St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary at (914) 961-8313, ext. 363 or St Nersess Armenian Orthodox Seminary at (914) 636-2003.