St. Vladimir's Seminary to Host Online Event on the Reception of Converts
St. Vladimir's Seminary. Source: Wikimedia Commons
YONKERS, NY — A dynamic virtual conference hosted by St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary will take place on October 11, 2025, featuring leading scholars addressing vital topics in Orthodox Christianity.
Welcome & Opening Remarks (10:00am EDT): Dr. Peter Bouteneff opens the event, setting the stage for a day of theological exploration.
Servant, Sacrifice, Shepherd, Leader: The Theology of Leadership (10:05am EDT). Dr. Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie and Pdn. Dr. Peter Danilchick explore spiritual transformation as the foundation of true leadership, addressing challenges faced by pastors, workplace supervisors, and families.
The Reception of Converts into The Orthodox Church (11:00am EDT). Fr. Alexander Rentel and Fr. Aetios (Nikiforos) discuss the influx of converts, examining liturgical and canonical traditions for receiving new members.
Orthodox Doctrine & Spirituality: Thinking with the Fathers (12:00pm EDT). Fr. Bogdan Bucur and Dr. Georgiana Huian (Universität Bern) connect doctrine and spirituality, showing how the Church Fathers illuminate the "life in Christ."
Welcoming Catechumens: Where Do We Go from Here? (1:00pm EDT). Bsp. John (Abdalah) and Dcn. Gregory Abdalah will address the surge of young male catechumens, discussing opportunities and challenges for parishes.
Rethinking Sacred Arts (2:00pm EDT). Dr. Peter Bouteneff and Dr. Christina Maranci (Harvard University) explore the nature of sacred arts, questioning boundaries between sacred and secular.
Realities and Responses for Orthodox Church Music in North America Today (3:00pm EDT). Rev. Dn. Dr. Harrison Basil Russin and Anastasia Kappanadze (St. Tikhon’s Seminary) evaluate the state of Orthodox Church music, focusing on the OCA and future aspirations.
This conference offers rich insights for clergy, laity, and spiritual seekers.
For more information or to register, visit the St. Vladimir's Seminary website.
Previously, UOJ-USA reported on the launch of several new courses available at the St. Vladimir's Online School of Theology.
Read also
Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations
Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.
New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania
"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"
Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt
A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.
Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests
Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.
Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend
Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.