Orthodox Leaders & Scholars Discuss Faith, Tech at Aristotle University Conference
A conference at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki brought together Orthodox representatives and scholars to discuss the intersection of faith, theology, and new technologies. The event, held to mark the centennial anniversary of the journal 'Theologia', saw participation from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and delegates of autocephalous Churches.
Petros Panayiotopoulos, an associate professor at the university, stressed the Church's responsibility to tackle societal challenges arising from new technologies. He was joined by Dimitrios Keramidas, a professor at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, who highlighted the journal's history of promoting Catholic-Orthodox dialogue.
The conference, titled 'The II Conference for the Centennial Anniversary of the Journal Theologia: Orthodox Theology and the Ontology of Technology', explored the tension between the sacred and the profane in the context of technology and secularization. Gregorios (Papathomas), Metropolitan of Peristeri, delved into this topic during his speech. Alexandros Katsiaras, director of 'Theologia', emphasized the importance of understanding the essence of technology to address its challenges effectively.
The conference concluded with a musical performance, 'Together, from the Balkans for the Oikoumene', underscoring the unity and harmony among the participating Orthodox Churches and scholars. The event underscored the Church's commitment to engaging with modern technological issues and fostering dialogue with academic institutions.
