St Vladimir’s Orthodox Education Day
Schedule of Topics & Scholars
Welcome & Opening Remarks: 10am EDT/7am PDT
Dr Peter Bouteneff
Servant, Sacrifice, Shepherd, Leader: The Theology of Leadership
10am EDT/7am PDT
Dr Ionuț-Alexandru Tudorie & Rev. Pdn Dr Peter Danilchick
Leaders today face enormous challenges, whether they are pastors in the church, supervisors in the workplace, or spouses and parents at home. True leadership begins not with the latest secular leadership techniques, but with spiritual transformation. What, then, does true leadership look like, and how do we go about living it out?
The Reception of Converts into The Orthodox Church
11am EDT/8am PDT
Very Rev. Dr Alexander Rentel & Very Rev. Grand Ecclesiarch Dr Aetios (Nikiforos)
In recent years, the different Orthodox Churches have seen a wonderful influx of new converts. These conversions have also raised questions regarding the method of receiving converts according to the tradition of the Church. During this session, two priests of the Church who are also scholars of canon law will address these important questions from the liturgical and the canonical tradition.
Orthodox Doctrine & Spirituality: Thinking with the Fathers
12pm EDT/9am PDT
Very Rev. Dr Bogdan Bucur & Dr Georgiana Huian [Universität Bern]
The language in which the Church delineates its Orthodoxy seems full of abstract concepts and distinctions, related to substance, persons, essence, energies, natures… This language is, of course, the bread and butter of studious seminarians and of the more zealous catechumens or members of the Church. But what does all this have to do with the “life in Christ”, the mystery of our transformation towards the glory of God’s Kingdom? Hear how the Fathers of the Church help us see doctrine and spirituality as inextricably linked and mutually illuminating.
Welcoming Catechumens: Where Do We Go from Here?
1pm EDT/10am PDT
Right Rev. Dr John (Abdalah) & Rev. Dn Dr Gregory Abdalah
An unprecedented number of inquirers and catechumens are coming through the doors of our parishes these days, many of them, in fact, young men. How can we as Orthodox faithful welcome and encourage them and what are some of the opportunities and challenges presented to the Church by this new wave of spiritual seekers?
Rethinking Sacred Arts
2pm EDT/11am PDT
Dr Peter Bouteneff & Dr Christina Maranci [Harvard University]
A discussion of foundational, often overlooked questions: What do we mean by “sacred arts”? Are there boundaries that delineate sacred from secular arts? Can an object be inherently holy, or does sacredness lie in its use? This session brings into dialogue the two co-editors of a new SVS Press volume that addresses these very questions.
Realities and Responses for Orthodox Church Music in North America Today
3pm EDT/12pm PDT
Rev. Dn Dr Harrison Basil Russin & Anastasia Kappanadze [St Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary]
What is the current state of Orthodox Church music in North America? With a focus on the OCA, this discussion will address anecdotal and data-informed evaluations of the state of music; consider interventions which have been implemented in the past 10–15 years, such as the St Tikhon’s Music Residency and new publications; and express hopes and desires for the future.
Date Links
2025-10-11
(2025-W41-6)
2025-W41
2025-10