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Published by the
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America,
November 19, 2004
Pappas
Patristic Institute of Holy Cross Holds
Inaugural Conference on Apocalyptic Themes
in Early Christianity |
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November 15, 2004
Brookline, MA -- The inaugural conference of the
Stephen and Catherine Pappas Patristic Institute
entitled, “Apocalyptic Themes in Early
Christianity” was held on October 14 -16 on the
campus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of
Theology. Over 80 scholars of Patristic Literature
and Early Christianity gathered to discuss
apocalyptic themes in Christian writings and
iconography, and their relevance in the
contemporary religious, inter-religious, and
political scene.
“I was extremely pleased with the quality and
breadth of the presentations offered in this
conference”, commented Rev. Nicholas Triantafilou,
President of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of
Theology and Hellenic College. “This conference
has successfully launched the Pappas Patristic
Institute of Holy Cross into the public arena as a
significant promoter of eastern patristic studies
in the service of the academy and of the Church.
As it grows, the Institute will have the potential
to become a premier center of eastern patristic
studies. This potential is heightened by the
unique ecclesiastical, ecumenical, and academic
location of this Institute within the Holy Cross
Greek Orthodox School of Theology.”
The major presentations at the conference were
given by leading scholars who were not only well
recognized within their respective fields of early
Christian and Patristic Studies, but who also had
a demonstrated expertise in apocalypticism. The
major conference presenters were Fr. Brian Daley
from Notre Dame University, Prof. Bernard McGinn
from the University of Chicago, Fr. Alexander
Golitzin from Marquette University, Fr. John
McGuckin from Columbia University/Union
Theological Seminary, Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos
from Holy Cross School of Theology, Associate
Professor Georgia Frank from Colgate University,
and Prof. Matthias Henze from Rice University. In
addition to these major speakers, Dr. Nancy
Sevcenko presented a public slide lecture on
“Images of the Second Coming in the Middle
Byzantine Period” on Friday evening, October 15.
In addition, there were twelve (12) “Short
Communication” papers presented.
The Institute will be publishing the proceedings
of this conference, the first of hopefully many
annual conferences promoting Patristic Studies to
be held on the campus of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox
School of Theology. For more information on the
conference, or the Institute in general, please
refer to the Institute’s web page (http://www.pappaspatristic.hchc.edu).
The Pappas Patristic Institute was founded in 2003
by Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology,
and is under the direction of its President, Rev.
Nicholas C. Triantafilou, in consultation with the
Dean, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis, and the Faculty.
The President, in consultation with the Dean and
Faculty, has appointed an Administrative Board and
an Associate Director, consisting of five (5)
Greek Orthodox and three (3) Non-Orthodox
scholars, to execute the mission and objectives of
the Institute. The board consists of Fr. Theodore
Stylianopoulos (Holy Cross), Fr. George Dragas
(Holy Cross), Dr. Demetrios Katos (Hellenic
College), Prof. Robert Daly, S.J. (Boston
College), Associate Professor Nicholas Constas
(Harvard Divinity School), Prof. François Bovon
(Harvard Divinity School), and Dr. Susan Holman
(Independent Scholar). The Institute’s Associate
Director is Dr. Bruce Beck.
The Stephen and Catherine Pappas Patristic
Institute of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of
Theology seeks the advancement and promotion of
patristic studies in the service of the academy
and of the Church, including literary,
iconographic, and material culture artifacts. The
primary emphasis is on the Greek patristic
tradition, broadly understood. As is
characteristic of Orthodox theology, the Institute
pays special attention to the way in which
patristic theology is integral to all of Christian
theology.
Contact:
Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Clapsis, Dean,
Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
(617) 731-3500
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