St. Vladimir's Seminary to Host Online Event on the Reception of Converts
On October 11, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary will host a virtual conference exploring topics such as leadership, converts, doctrine, sacred arts, and church music.
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 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.
