Second Annual 'International Scientific Congress' Opens in Greece, Several Primates in Attendance

Archbishop John of Albania, Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria (first three from left) are in attendance at the conference. Photo: UOJ-USA

THESSALONIKI — Thessaloniki becomes a pan-Orthodox and academic hub starting today, Monday, September 29, 2025, as it hosts the 2nd International Academic Conference of the journal "Theologia" to mark its 100th anniversary. With the central theme: “Orthodox Theology and the Ontology of Technology: Anthropological, Political, Economic, Social, and Cultural Consequences,” the conference gathers Primates, representatives of Patriarchates and Churches, and leading theologians and academics from Greece and abroad.

The Patriarch of Bulgaria, His Beatitude Daniel, delivered a welcoming address to the attendees. A correspondent of UOJ-USA is on-site to report on the conference.

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, along with five Primates of Orthodox Churches, are expected to attend the proceedings. The formal opening was declared by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople at 6:30 p.m. local time at the Church of Saint Demetrios in Thessaloniki.

High-Level Ecclesiastical Participation

Since yesterday and early this morning, delegates from Patriarchates and Autocephalous Churches have arrived in Thessaloniki. These include:

• Archbishop John of Tirana and All Albania,
• Metropolitans George of Guinea and Theophylaktos of Caesarea (Patriarchate of Alexandria),
• Archimandrite Hieronymos (Jerusalem Patriarchate),
• Metropolitan Gerasimos of Zugdidi and Tsaishi (Georgia),
• Metropolitan Arsenius of Kuopio and Karelia (Finland),
• Bishop Vissarion of Tulcea (Romania),
• Archbishop Arsenius of Niš (Serbia),
• and delegations from Cyprus, Albania, and Estonia.
• Later, Archbishop Georgios of New Justiniana and All Cyprus and Archbishop Nektarios of Anthidona, patriarchal commissioner of the Jerusalem Patriarchate in Constantinople, were also expected to arrive.

Roundtable Discussion: The Balkans and Modern Tech Challenges

At 11 a.m., a roundtable discussion was held at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall (Emilios Riadis Hall), titled:
“The Historical and Cultural Experience of the Balkan Countries and Modern Technological Challenges.” Moderated by Professor Aristotelis Tympas (University of Athens), the panel featured academics from Albania, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

Opening of Pan-Balkan Photo Exhibition on Saint Demetrios

At 1 p.m., the official opening of the Pan-Balkan Photo Exhibition “Champion General of the Oikoumene: Saint Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer in the Balkans” was held in the presence of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Orthodox Primates and representatives, and the President of the Republic.

The exhibition showcases churches and monasteries dedicated to Saint Demetrios across the Balkans, from the Byzantine era to the present.

Highlighted exhibits include:

• Patriarchate of Constantinople: Saint Demetrios of Xyloporta, Xirokrini, and Tatavla (Istanbul)
• Church of Serbia: Chapels in Peć and Dečani, Monastery of Velika Remeta
• Church of Romania: Suceava, CS Daru Monastery, Saint Demetrios-Poștii (Bucharest)
• Church of Bulgaria: Veliko Tarnovo, Patalenitsa, Boboshevo Monastery
• Church of Greece: Thessaloniki, Katsouri (Arta), Mostra
• Church of Albania: Berat, Boboshtice, Gjolichanë

The exhibition will last until Oct. 20, 2025, with visiting hours from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday-Friday, as well as 6-8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Admission is free.

Formal Opening Ceremony This Evening

This evening, Thessaloniki will experience its "Great Monday" as the formal opening of the conference takes place at the Church of Saint Demetrios. Pat. Bartholomew will officially inaugurate the event in the presence of the President of the Republic and Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens.

The keynote lecture, titled “The Ontology of Modern Technology,” will be delivered by Professor Emeritus Efthymios Nikolaidis of the National Hellenic Research Foundation.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on ERT3.

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