ANASTASIOS: Missionary, Theologian, Archbishop

 

An international conference “Anastasios: Archbishop, Theologian, Missionary” will be held on March 2–4, 2026, at Holy Cross School of Theology to mark the first anniversary since the passing of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

Organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross and the Missions Institute of Orthodox Christianity, the conference will explore the life and legacy of Archbishop Anastasios, a leading figure in contemporary Orthodoxy known for his commitment to interfaith understanding, evangelical outreach, and ecumenical reconciliation.

The program will feature presentations from prominent hierarchs and distinguished theologians from all over the world, along with selected academic papers, examining his role as theologian, missionary, and archbishop. Presentations and panels will explore the life, witness, and impact of Archbishop Anastasios through a series of thematic sessions, each focusing on a different dimension of his extraordinary ministry and leadership. Discussions will highlight his pioneering work as an archbishop, his contributions to theology and interfaith dialogue as a scholar, and his groundbreaking ministry in Africa and Albania as a missionary. Attention will also be given to the intersection of evangelism, culture, and nationalism, as well as the practical preparation of missionaries for service in diverse contexts. The gathering will conclude with reflections on the late Archbishop’s role in fostering ecumenical relations, including his involvement in global and regional church dialogues. Along with liturgical services and personal reflections, the program will provide a comprehensive view of his enduring legacy.

PROGRAM

March 2, 2025

5.00pm | Vespers, Holy Cross Chapel

6.00pm | Registration and Reception, Maliotis Cultural Center of HCHC

7.30pm | Session 1: Keynote Session
Moderators: Fr. John Chryssavgis and Fr. Luke Veronis
Welcome Address: Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
Keynote Address:   Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania – The Legacy of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania

March 3, 2025

9.30am | Session 2: Anastasios as Archbishop
Moderator: Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
Archbishop Demetrios, formerly of America: A Close Friend Remembers
Metropolitan Ignatios of Demetrias: Anastasios as Archbishop
Bishop Neofitos of Eldoret & Northern Kenya: Anastasios in Africa

11.00am | Session 3: Anastasios as Theologian
Moderator: Dr. James Skedros
Dr. Nikolaos Tsirevelos: Interfaith Theology and Coexistence
Prof. Angeliki Ziaka: Religious Studies at the service of Reconciliation and Interreligious Dialogue

12.30pm | Lunch

1.45pm | Guest Remarks: Prof. Todd Johnson, Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

2.00pm | Session 4: Anastasios as Missionary
Moderator: Presvytera Kyriaki Triantafyllidou-Bathrellos
Dr. Pantelis Kalaitzidis: Evangelism and Nationalism
Fr. John Parker: A Theology of Mission

3.30pm | Session 5: Anastasios as Educator
Moderator: Bishop Anthony (Vrame)
Fr. Martin Ritsi: Theological Education in Africa
Dr. Nathan Hoppe: Theological Education in Albania
Gabriela Hoppe: The Archbishop as the Light of Christ to Me

5pm | Vespers, Holy Cross Chapel

6pm | Dinner 

7.30pm | Special Presentations
Moderator: Fr. John Chryssavgis
Ms. Xanthi Morfi, WCC Communication Executive Officer: A Conversation with Archbishop Anastasios of Albania
First public screening of interview with WCC Communications
Fr. Luke Veronis: A Candle Before the Icon of Christ

March 4, 2025

9.30am | Session 6: Theology and Mission in Action
Moderator: Dr. Bruce Beck
Prof. Dimitra Koukoura: Preparing Missionaries for the Church
Ms. Anastasia Pamela Barksdale: Beyond building churches . . .Building a Church

11.00am | Session 7: Anastasios as Ecumenical Leader
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Philip Halikias
Rev. Dr. Nicolas Kazarian: Archbishop Anastasios and the Quest for Unity
Ms. Katerina Pekridou: From Liturgy to Life: Toward a Missional Anthropology

12.30pm | Closing Reflections

Source: https://huffingtoninstitute.hchc.edu/event/anastasios-missionary-theologian-archbishop/