In the spring of 2021, Volos Academy for Theological Studies held the first series of online events “Time for Action”, as health restrictions did not allow for physical events. It was a series of lectures and roundtables on timely issues, by prominent theologians and researchers, addressed to the general public. After the success of this first cycle, “Time for Action” acquired a permanent place in the annual program of Volos Academy. The sixth such series will take place in the spring semester of 2026 and will include the following events: 

1. RELIGIOSITY AND THE FALSE SELF
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (Athens time)

This event is part of the dialogue between Theology and Psychoanalysis. The term “false self” is established in the field of psychoanalysis as a clinical entity. The purpose of the event is to explore the pathologies that are hidden by religiosity as an existential attitude or, even, that may be created by it. Finally, the event aims to highlight the psychodynamic criteria of “healthy” religiosity.
Participants: Christoforos Zonas (Psychologist, Psychotherapist), Rev. Vasileios Thermos (Former Professor of the Supreme Ecclesiastical Academy of Athens, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist), Panagiotis Aristotelides (Psychiatrist, Trainee Member of the Hellenic Society of Psychoanalysis).      
Moderator: Anastasia Moraitaki (Psychologist, Psychotherapist)
 
2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND CHALLENGES FOR ORTHODOX ANTHROPOLOGY
Monday, February 16, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (Athens time)

The purpose of the event is to discuss the challenges and prospects arising from the development of artificial intelligence in relation to the Orthodox understanding of the human being as a person, as well as to outline a way of thinking for maintaining an anthropocentric perspective and moral responsibility towards the use of new technologies.
Participants: Rev. Nikolaos Loudovikos (Assoc. Professor, University of Ioannina), Yiannis Mastrogeorgiou (Special Secretary for Long-Term Planning at the Presidency of the Hellenic Government).
Moderator: Nikolaos Asproulis (Deputy Director of Volos Academy)
 
3. HOLINESS TODAY
Monday, April 27, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (Athens time)

This meeting will explore the concept of holiness in the contemporary world and the way it is expressed in the everyday life of believers. It will highlight the biblical understanding of holiness as participation in the holiness of God through the Church, as well as the timeliness of the Christian experience of holiness, and its importance as a model of life and witness in our society, addressing also the criteria set by the Church for canonization.
Participants: Ekaterini Tsalampouni (Professor, Faculty of Theology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Panagiotis Yfantis (Professor, Faculty of Theology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Peter Bouteneff (Professor, St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, New York).
Moderator: Andreas Alexopoulos (Research Associate of Volos Academy, Post-Doctoral Researcher, Faculty of Theology, Athens University)
 
4. IS THERE A FUTURE FOR ORTHODOX THEOLOGY TODAY?
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 7:00 p.m. (Athens time)

This panel will attempt to trace the main directions of Orthodox theology in the 21st century: from the dialogue with modernity and science to the pastoral, social, and ecumenical challenges of our time. What should characterize Orthodox theological ethics in the contemporary era?
Participants: Haralambos Ventis (Assoc. Professor, National University of Athens), Paul Gavrilyuk (Professor, University of St. Thomas, Minnesota, US,A and President of IOTA), Michel Stavrou (Professor and Dean of Saint Sergius Theological Institute, Paris).
Moderator: Pantelis Kalaitzidis (Director of Volos Academy)

 

 

.