The School of Theology and Religious Studies of the University of Tartu, along with Volos Academy for Theological Studies and the Orthodox Church of Estonia invite participants to the international, English language study programme

 ORTHODOX CHURCH AND CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES

We live at a time when we receive reports of war, ecological crisis and imbalance every day, resulting in great distress and mental health problems in society. What are the religious aspects of these issues, and what is the responsibility of the church? The study programme aims to explore the burning issues in society, both in the context of the history of the Orthodox Church and contemporary theological and social debates. The Orthodox Church has been a centre of Christian thought for centuries. Today, it is a productive partner in inter-church, inter-religious and societal debates in both the East and the West, thus bridging the two worlds. The four courses of the study programme address issues challenging for both the Orthodox Church and Western society. 

We look forward to your participation if you want to know more about
 · the role of the Orthodox Church in the war in Ukraine, theological politics, religion as a security issue and the politicisation of religion;
 · ecotheology, the spiritual roots of the ecological crisis, the possibilities for sustainable development and the role of the Orthodox Church in the ecological crisis;
 · psychology and psychotherapy in the Orthodox context, such as how mental health disorders manifest themselves in the behaviour of religious people and affect their religious life, and how the religious context and Orthodox practice could help them;
 · New Age and Orthodox spirituality; for example, how New Age and postmodern values have influenced Orthodox spirituality.

All lecturers are internationally well-known top specialists: Dr. Nikolaos Asproulis, Assoc. Prof. Katerina Bauer, Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Rev. Prof. Brandon Gallaher, Prof. Cyril Hovorun, Prof. Ivana Noble, Rev. Prof. Vasileios Thermos, Dr. Aikaterini Tsalampouni, Rev. Dr. Grigorios Chrysostomos Tympas,

The language of instruction is English. It is also possible to take the course of your choice as a stand-alone degree course. The maximum number of participants is 30. The studies take place in the auditorium at the University of Tartu, but it is also possible to complete the programme fully online. Therefore, the studies are easy to combine with work and family life. Registration (open until 1 September 2023) and further info  here

“This world is not just a gift from God; it is a challenge for humanity.” -- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew