Sub-Dean at the IOTA Leaders’ Symposium

On 27 August, Assoc. Prof. Philip Kariatlis attended the International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA) Leaders’ Symposium via zoom. It brought together prominent Orthodox scholars from all around the world with the aim of discussing plans for the IOTA (International Orthodox Theological Association) mega-conference in January 2023, the main theme of which will be ‘mission’. More than 18 IOTA Academic Groups presented their ideas, all of which engendered much discussion.

As Co-chair, together with the Very Revd Jack Khalil, of the Orthodox Theological Institutions Group, Dr Kariatlis presented the group’s main ideas pointing out the overarching theme of ‘mission’ lends itself perfectly to the group’s primary objectives. He noted that if theological education is to remain true to its identity, then it necessarily needs to be mission orientated—that is outwards focused. For more information on the 28 Groups of IOTA, click here.

The task of theological education is inextricably linked to Christ’s mandate: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 28:19). The principal idea here is that of ‘going out’—namely “preparing minds for action” (1Pt 1:13)—making disciples and students of the Word, bringing them into a loving encounter with Christ. Moreover, touched by Christ’s love, theological education, it was noted, is called to set hearts aflame with this love of Christ, empowering students as they ‘go out’ to radiate this Love to all, therefore seeing everyone and all things with loving concern.

A brief summary of the discussions of the Orthodox Theological Institutions Group that took place in 2019 at the Inaugural IOTA Conference in Iasi (Romania) can be accessed here.