Speakers & Participants
Speakers
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His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Ecumenical Patriarchate
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is spiritual leader to 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide. He is the 270th Archbishop of the 2000-year-old Church founded by St. Andrew, serving as Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch since 1991. The Patriarch’s … Continue reading
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Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos
Ecumenical Patriarchate
His Grace Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, Abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery (Halki Theological School) was born in Constantinople in 1978. He was ordained a Deacon in 1998 by Metropolitan Joachim of Chalcedon. He studied Theology at the Theological School of … Continue reading
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Archbishop Job of Telmessos
Institute of Graduate Studies of Orthodox Theology, Chambésy
His Excellency Archbishop Prof. Dr. Job of Telmessos is the permanent representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the World Council of Churches in Geneva and the co-president of the International Joint Commission for theological dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church … Continue reading
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Metropolitan Maximos of Selyvria
Ecumenical Patriarchate
His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Selyvria completed a Ph.D. at Heythrop College (London) and served as Grand Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarch until his election to Metropolitan in 2014. His publications include Primacy in the Church From Vatican I to … Continue reading
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Mgr. Marek Solczynski
Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey
His Excellency Mgr. Marek Solczynski is a Polish prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who joined the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1993 and has served as an Apostolic Nuncio since 2011. His early posts included, among others, … Continue reading
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Monsignor Angelo Vincenzo Zani
Congregation for Catholic Education
His Excellency Angelo Vincenzo Zani has served the Congregation for Catholic Education since 2002 (first appointed by Pope John Paul II), serving as its Secretary since 2012. He studied philosophy and theology at the Brescia Seminary, the Pontifical University of … Continue reading
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Dn. Jovan Anicic
Serbian Eastern American Diocese
Dn. Jovan Anicic holds degrees from Orthodox Theological Faculty of Belgrade, M. Div. from Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome, and Ph.D. in Patristic Theology from Faculty of Dogmatic Theology at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He is the director of the … Continue reading
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Prof. Dr. Giuseppe Argiolas
Sophia University Institute
Giuseppe Argiolas is Rector of the Sophia University Institute (Loppiano, Florence – Italy) where he is also Professor of Management and teaches Social Management. With a PhD in Business Management obtained in 2005 at the University of Cagliari (Italy), his research … Continue reading
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Dr. Nikolaos Asproulis
Volos Academy for Theological Studies
Nikolaos Asproulis is deputy director of the Volos Academy for Theological Studies (Volos, Greece), and lecturer at the Hellenic Open University (Patras, Greece). He is also manager of the eco-theological project “Green parish initiative and parallel activities” (Church of Evangelistria, … Continue reading
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Rev. Dr. Augustinos Bairactaris
Patriarchal Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete
Fr. Augustinos Bairactaris serves the Orthodox Church of Greece (Crete) and is Associate Professor of Ecumenical Studies at the Patriarchal Ecclesiastical Academy of Crete. He studied at the University of Thessaloniki, the Institute of Higher Theological Studies in Chambésy (Geneva), … Continue reading
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Prof. Vincenzo Buonomo
Pontifical Lateran University
Born in Gaeta (Italy) in 1961, Dr. Buonomo is President of the Pontifical Lateran University (2018–2022), Full Professor of International Law and Organization and Human Rights Law at the School of Law of the Pontifical Lateran University, Invited Professor of … Continue reading
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Angela Caliaro
Sophia University Institute
Co-Chair Angela Caliaro is from Italy and a member of the Focolare community since her youth. In 1979, she graduated as a business correspondent in foreign languages, and after her formation in Loppiano worked for 18 years in the Audiovisual … Continue reading
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Fr. John Chryssavgis
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, studied in Athens and Oxford, and taught in Sydney and Boston. He serves as theological advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. His publications include Light Through Darkness: the Orthodox tradition (Orbis Books), … Continue reading
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Msgr. Prof. Piero Coda
Sophia University Institute
Msgr. Piero Coda is Full Professor of Trinitarian Ontology at the Sophia University Institute (Loppiano – Florence, Italy), of which he was the first President (2008-2020). Doctor in Philosophy and in Theology, he is currently Secretary General of the International … Continue reading
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Dr. Nikolaos Dimitriadis
Center for Ecumenical, Missiological and Environmental Studies
Dr. Nikolaos Dimitriadis is President of CEMES (Center of Ecumenical, Missiological and Environmental Studies Metr. Panteleimon Papageorgiou) and Professor of World Religions at the American College of Thessaloniki. He also teaches Ecology and Ethics in the Master’s Program of Orthodox … Continue reading
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Chris Durante
Saint Peter’s University
Chris Durante, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor in the Department of Theology at Saint Peter’s University, New Jersey, as well as Fellow of the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics and Human Rights, where he serves on the Organizing Committee of the Bioethics, … Continue reading
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Antonis Kalogerakis
Orthodox Academy of Crete
Antonis Kalogerakis is the Director of the Institute of Theology and Ecology, which is a Department of the Orthodox Academy of Crete. He graduated with distinction as Environmental Engineer from the Technical University of Crete. He then obtained a Master’s degree from … Continue reading
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Margaret Karram
Focolare Movement; Sophia University Institute
Margaret Karram was elected President of the Focolare Movement on 31 January 2021. Born in Haifa, Israel in 1962 into a Palestinian Catholic family, at the age of fourteen she encountered the Focolare spirituality. Her commitment to dialogue led her … Continue reading
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Charidimos Koutris
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece)
Charidimos Koutris is Assistant Professor of the History of Doctrines at the School of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece). He studied Theology (BA) and Systematic, Dogmatic and Symbolic Theology (MA) at the same institution. He obtained his … Continue reading
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Vasilios N. Makrides
University of Athens
Vasilios N. Makrides studied theology at the University of Athens (1979-1983) and history and sociology of religions at Harvard University (1984-1986) and the University of Tübingen (1986-1991), from where he obtained his doctorate. He has taught at the University of … Continue reading
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Theodota Nantsou
Environmental Policy Coordinator, WWF Greece
Theodota Nantsou is head of policy at WWF Greece and chair of the Strategy Board of WWF’s European Policy Office. She has studied philosophy in Athens, and holds a master’s degree in environmental ethics from Lancaster, and public administration. Her … Continue reading
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Sandra Ferreira Ribeiro
Sophia University Institute
Sandra Ferreira Ribeiro is from Brazil. She studied physics, theology and sociology, and is now completing a doctorate at Sophia University Institute on Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras and Chiara Lubich. She worked on ecumenical formation for the Focolare and in various … Continue reading
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Prof. Sergio Rondinara
Sapienza University of Rome
Born in Marcellina (near Rome), Sergio Rondinara graduated in nuclear engineering from the Sapienza University of Rome, obtaining Licenses in Philosophy and in Fundamental Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University. His research lies in Religion and Science, while he also … Continue reading
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Noemi Sanches
Sophia University Institute
After completing studies in Communication Sciences with an emphasis on Institutional Communication at the Catholic University “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción” in Paraguay (2014), Dr. Sanches received her Master’s degree cum laude at Sophia University Institute in Loppiano (2016). In April 2020, she obtained with honors the title … Continue reading
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Rev. Giuliano Savina
Italian Episcopal Conference
Giuliano Savina is Director of the National Office for Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (from 2018). He obtained a Licentiate in Dogmatic Ecumenical Theology in 2016 with a thesis on “Forming the Conscience to Sharpen the … Continue reading
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Rev. Meletios Stefanatos
Ecumenical Patriarchate
Fr. Meletios Stefanatos was born in Athens in 1998. He studied Classics and Theology at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. He was ordained a Deacon on September 6, 2020, at the Holy Trinity Monastery of Halki, where he serves … Continue reading
Participants
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Nicholas Anton
Secretary
A Chicago native, Nicholas Anton is Director of Operations for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops USA. Previously he was Ecumenical Officer and Director of the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America … Continue reading
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Aiza Asi
Sophia University Institute and the University of Cagliari
Aiza Asi is a Filipina PhD student in Economics and Management at Sophia University Institute and the University of Cagliari. She earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration at San Beda University in Manila. Her research includes the intersection of … Continue reading
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Dn. George Balinya
Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki
Rev. Deacon George Balinya, a Ugandan native and Greek citizen, serves in the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki (Greece). Fr. George holds two bachelor’s degrees in physical mathematics and Theology and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Interreligious Dialogues at … Continue reading
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Antonio Bergamo
Pugliese Theological Faculty
Prof. Antonio Bergamo is Professor of Theological Anthropology and Eschatology at the Pugliese Theological Faculty and at the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences “don Tonino Bello” (Lecce), of which he is also the Director. His recent publications include Essere, tempo … Continue reading
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Marco Bernardoni
Sophia University Institute
After completing Telecommunications Engineering (Bologna University) and obtaining a Baccalaureate in Theology (Bologna University), Marco Bernardoni specialized in the dialogue between theology and scientific thought (Master’s, Sophia University Institute) and dogmatic theology (Licentiate, Faculty of Central Italy, Florence). He edited … Continue reading
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Camila Bortolato Putarov
Sophia University Institute
After completing Physiotherapy with emphasis on Orthopedics and Traumatology (University Inga, Brazil), Camila Bortolato Putarov received her Master’s degree in Trinitarian Ontology (Sophia University Institute with a thesis on Teresa of Avila and Etty Hillesum. She also studied at The … Continue reading
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Vanessa Breidy
Beirut Bar Association
Vanessa Breidy is a member of the Beirut Bar Association, currently pursuing a PhD in Political sciences and Arab and Islamic studies jointly at Sophia University Institute and the Pontifical Institute for Arab & Islamic Studies. She collaborates with various … Continue reading
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Julio Cesar De Carli
Engineer
Julio Cesar De Carli is an engineer, attentive to new ideas and passionate about innovation and human relations. He has worked in engineering design and investment management companies, in areas such as process quality, project planning, management, and financial modeling, … Continue reading
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Enno Dijkema
Landscape Architecture
Enno Dijkema is from Holland and has a Master’s in landscape architecture and a Bachelor’s in religious sciences from the Lateran University. Through his role as codirector for the Focolare in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, he developed a love for … Continue reading
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Ioan Chirilă
Babeş-Bolyai University
As Full Professor in the Faculty of Orthodox Theology at the Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca (Romania), Dr. Chirilă’s areas of research include Old Testament, Biblical Archaeology, and Hebrew. Among other things, he serves as Director (and founder) of the Classical … Continue reading
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Guram Chukhrukidze
Graduate Student
Guram Chukhrukidze was born in Gori, Georgia. A graduate of the School of Economics (University of Thessaloniki) and Ecumenical Theology (Bossey Ecumenical Institute), he is currently studying Systematic Theology, Sociology and Religion (University of Thessaloniki) and Political Economy of Capitalism … Continue reading
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Niki Devaris Morgulis
Facilitator
Niki Devaris Morgulis serves as the Coordinator of Programs in the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, bridging the work of the Department on social issues with the Orthodox Church. Her work … Continue reading
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Vincenzo Di Pilato
Apulian Theological Faculty
Vincenzo Di Pilato is Full Professor of Fundamental Theology (Apulian Theological Faculty, Bari), Visiting Professor of Theology and Praxis of Interreligious Dialogue (Sophia University Institute), and Director of the journal Apulia Theologica. His publications include Discepoli della via. Questioni e … Continue reading
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Georges El Hage
Catholic Institute of Paris
Georges El Hage was born in Beirut. After a short career in finance and banking he studied theology (Saint-Serge, ICP, Centre-Sèvres) and history (La Sorbonne) in Paris. He teaches orthodox missiology, dogmatics and the history of ecumenical movement in the … Continue reading
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Anita Gei
Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy and Malta
Dr. Anita Gei has been involved in ecumenical training programs, and was especially active in ecumenical dialogue with the Holy Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy and Malta. She is currently pursuing a doctorate on the Magisterium for the Protection of Creation … Continue reading
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João Francisco Giovani
Sophia University Institute
Currently working on a PhD in Sustainability at Sophia University Institute, João Francisco Giovani graduated in Chemical Engineering and obtained post graduate degrees in Administration and Sustainability & Environmental protection as well as Theology. He has 29 years of experience … Continue reading
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Soraia Maris Giovani
Sophia University Institute
Soraia Maris Giovani has a degree in Pedagogy, a post-graduate degree in Psychopedagogy and Family Consultancy. She is currently working on a PhD in Pedagogy at Sophia University Institute. With 30 years of experience in family consultancy and education programs … Continue reading
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Vito Impellizzeri
Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Sicily
Vito Impellizzeri is a Professor of Fundamental and Systematic Theology at the Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Sicily, where he is also Director of the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences. His research focuses on the teachings of Paul VI related … Continue reading
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Rev. Ciprian Ion Ioniță
Romanian Orthodox Church
Rev. Ciprian Ion Ioniță, B.Theol. M.Theol. is the coordinating patriarchal consellor of the Romanian Orthodox Church for social and philanthropic activities. He is a graduate of the Institute of Ecumenical Theology in Bari, Italy and holds a master’s degree from … Continue reading
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Blandina Lavor de Jesus
Sophia University Institute
Blandina Lavor de Jesus is a sustainability specialist and environmental engineer from Brazil, currently a guest student at Sophia University Institute. With over 10 years of experience in the field of environmental impact and sustainability, she has worked with governments, … Continue reading
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Lucas de Jesus
Sophia University Institute
Lucas de Jesus is from Brazil and graduated in engineering, working with technological innovation and startups for ten years. After being an entrepreneur in the educational sector for 6 years, he is now working on a Master’s degree (Licentiate) in … Continue reading
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Christopher Jonker
Aristotle University in Thessaloniki
Christopher Jonker is a graduate student of theology at Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. He completed undergraduate studies in History and Political Science at Vanguard University in his home state of California. Christopher now lives in South Korea and is an … Continue reading
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Mervat Kelli
the Focolare’s “Centro Uno”
Mervat Kelli, a Syrian Orthodox Christian, graduated in physics and chemistry, joining the Focolare Movement in 1984. She taught and participated in humanitarian projects throughout the Middle East, graduating with a Licentiate in philosophy and theology (University of Babele, Iraq, … Continue reading
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Lina Mikellidou
Dentitst
Lina Mikellidou is a dentitst in Nicosia, Cyprus. After receiving a scholarship for dentistry at Semmelweis Medical University (Budapest), she moved to Loppiano to learn Italian and work as a dentist, subsequently working as a dentist in Athens. In Cyprus … Continue reading
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Aitor de la Morena
Sophia University Institute
After receiving his Baccalaureate in Theology at Universidad Eclesiástica San Dámaso, Aitor de la Morena obtained a Licentiate in Christian and Classic Literature at the same university. Currently he is working on a PhD at Sophia University Institute. As a … Continue reading
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Gleyciane Indianara de Paula Longo
Sophia University Institute
Gleyciane Indianara de Paula Longo is from Brazil, where she graduated in Mathematics and has taught for several years in elementary school. She is currently working on a Licentiate in Trinitarian Ontology at the Sophia University Institute (Loppiano, Italy), where … Continue reading
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Casini Maria Pia
Catholic Church
Casini Maria Pia is engaged in various ministries of the Catholic Church with specific focus on the assistance for the elderly and those with disabilities.
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Renzo Renzi
Sophia University Institute
Renzo Renzi has collaborated with the Sophia University Institute formation project and has dedicated her years of retirement to fundraising activities and dialogue between Catholic, Muslim and Orthodox cultures, as well as to addressing issues related to the world of … Continue reading
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Marina Robb
Davenant Foundation School
Marina Robb is Head of Religious Education and School Christian Ethos at Davenant Foundation School, a Christian Ecumenical Secondary School in Essex. She studied theology at the University of Athens, and pursued postgraduate studies at King’s College London. She devised … Continue reading
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Zsuzsa Román
Public Health Institute of Budapest
Zsuzsa Román is an MD at the Public Health Institute of Budapest preventive medicine and public health. She is a member of EcoOne, an ecological group of the Focolare Movement and is currently part of an international network and participates … Continue reading
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Sherin Salama
Caritas International
Sherin Salama is Egyptian Coptic Orthodox. After graduating from Cairo University, she joined the Focolare Movement in 1997. She has participated actively in promoting the ecumenical life in Egypt as well as through various seminars, workshops and congresses abroad. For … Continue reading
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Manlio Savarino
Theological Institute St. Paul of Catania
Manlio Savarino studied philosophy and theology at the Theological Institute St. Paul of Catania (Italy) with a thesis on Msgr. Klaus Hemmerle, entitled “Gioco di Dio, Gioco degli uomini – La Trinità come forma di vita e stile di pensiero.” … Continue reading
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Mariam Sedra
Don Bosco Salesian school in Cairo
Mariam Sedra is a member of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo, Egypt. She completed her undergraduate studies in Italian language and literature (2010), working in education for 8 years at the Don Bosco Salesian school in Cairo. She is … Continue reading
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Nevin Shoukry
Coptic Catholic Church
Nevin Shoukry is an Egyptian with the Coptic Catholic Church. She has lived in the Focolare communities of Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. She is currently studying at Sophia University Institute for a “Culture of Unity” in the field of … Continue reading
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Gustavo José Socias Visconti
University of Perugia and Sophia University Institute
Gustavo José Socias Visconti holds an Economics degree (Catholic University of Montevideo, Uruguay). After working as a systems consultant in banking, he pursued a Master’s in Trinitarian Ontology on St. John of the Cross (Sophia University Institute). He is currently … Continue reading
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Eleni Sotiriou
Sociologist/social Anthropologist and Independent Researcher
Eleni Sotiriou is a sociologist/social anthropologist and independent researcher. Her research focuses on relations between women, sociocultural change, and religion. She has published articles on marriage and monasticism, as well as gender and materiality, including “Women and Greek Orthodoxy in … Continue reading
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Cristiana Sporea
Babeş-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca
Cristiana Sporea completed her studies in Orthodox Theological Education at the Faculty of Literature, History and Theology in 2008, obtaining a Master’s in Pastoral Counselling in 2010. She is currently working on a doctorate at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology … Continue reading
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Vasile Stanciu
Isidor Todoran Doctoral School
Fr. Vasile Stanciu is Professor of Church Music and Director at the Isidor Todoran Doctoral School at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology of the “Babeș-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca (Romania), where he also served as Dean (2012–2020). As priest, teacher, composer, … Continue reading
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Delia Surdu
Romanian Orthodox focolarina
Delia Surdu is a Romanian Orthodox focolarina, who has lived in Italy for 10 years. She graduated in Developmental and Educational Psychology and specialized in Neuropsychology of the developmental age, working with disabled children. She has also participated in seminars … Continue reading
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Julie Tremblay
Sophia University Institute
Julie Tremblay was born in the US, graduating in Industrial Engineering (Oregon State University). She is a Benedictine oblate of Mount Angel Monastery (Oregon), where she helped start the “Christians in the World” program for the laity. She obtained a … Continue reading
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Georgia Tzanaki
Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development
Georgia Tzanaki works at the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development in Athens, Greece. She studied European Civilization (BA) and Orthodox Theology (MA) at the Hellenic Open University. She is pursuing a doctorate at the University of Athens. Her research … Continue reading