Vatopaidi to Host Conference on Fr. John Romanides’ Work

NAFPAKTOS, GREECE — Metr. Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agios Vlasios has praised Fr. John Romanides’ influence on Orthodox theology, describing his life’s work as a struggle to restore the Church’s patristic and hesychastic tradition. His remarks mark the 25th anniversary of the theologian’s repose on November 1, 2001.

“His life was a constant struggle for the restoration and living of the Orthodox tradition as Orthodox theology and hesychasm,” Metr. Hierotheos wrote, noting that Romanides encountered resistance amid what he described as the secularization of Orthodox theology and spiritual life.

The Metropolitan emphasized Romanides’ grounding in the writings of the Church Fathers, particularly St. Symeon the New Theologian and St. Gregory Palamas. He also recalled Romanides’ relationship with Fr. George Florovsky, citing testimony that Florovsky loved Romanides and regarded him as his theological successor.

Although Metr. Hierotheos never studied under Romanides directly, he said that reading his works and later meeting him in Athens convinced him of the theologian’s fidelity to the teachings of the Prophets, Apostles, and Fathers. He has published several extensive works examining Romanides’ theology, totaling approximately 3,000 pages, and announced another study of about 700 pages.

Quoting American theologian Fr. Georgios Dragas, Metr. Hierotheos asked, “Who has not been influenced by him?” The Metropolitan also welcomed the announcement that Vatopaidi Monastery, together with the Maximos Graikos Foundation, will convene a theological conference devoted to Romanides’ work. Details of the conference are forthcoming.

Previously, the UOJ reported on the "Florovsky Paradox."