Conferences & Events

International Symposium "100 Years Since the Founding of the Romanian Patriarchate: Challenges of Orthodox Theology in the 20th Century"

From June 3 to 5, 2025, I participated once again in this important international theological symposium held at the "Valahia" University of Târgoviște. The event gathered prominent scholars, theologians, and clergy, offering a rich program of presentations and discussions on the historical, canonical, and pastoral dimensions of Orthodox theology in the past century.

Over the course of four sessions, the symposium addressed topics such as:

• The autocephaly and national identity of the Romanian Orthodox Church

• The spiritual portrait of Romanian confessors and hesychasts

• Theological responses to secularization and moral relativism

• Pastoral initiatives, the significance of liturgical books, and inter-Orthodox relations

• The theological legacy of Saint Hieromartyr Ilarion Felea and the life of Father Stăniloae

• Contemporary challenges for Orthodoxy and its role in modern society

The fruitful exchange of ideas and the diversity of perspectives confirmed the ongoing relevance of Orthodox tradition and thought in the face of contemporary issues.

On May 27, 2025, I participated in the International Conference “The Church in the Early Centuries,” which took place at the welcoming premises of Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University in Tbilisi. The conference was organized by the university’s Faculty of Theology and gathered distinguished researchers from various academic institutions.

The event featured three sessions:
The first session explored the administrative reorganization of the Patriarchate of Antioch, the abolition of the autocephaly of the Church of Georgia, the role of the laity in liturgical practices, as well as topics such as the desecularization attempts in the USA.
The second session, held online, focused on contemporary challenges for the Orthodox Church and the importance of hesychastic prayer.
The third session delved into Byzantine monasticism, the ministry of the Church, and the experience of “joy-bearing grief” in the spiritual life.

The speakers’ contributions opened new horizons for dialogue and highlighted the enduring significance of tradition and theological thought for the modern world.

Participation in the Thematic Session "Religious Diplomacy" at the Delphi Economic Forum X (April 10, 2025)

On April 10, 2025, within the framework of the Delphi Economic Forum X, the thematic session “Religious Diplomacy” took place at the V Hotel (16:00–16:45), as part of the broader CULTURE program. The session was moderated by philologist and journalist Vicky Flessa (ERT, Hellenic Parliament Television), and featured the following speakers:

• Alkiviadis Stefanis, Governor of Mount Athos, former Deputy Minister of National Defence, Honorary Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff

• His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalcedon

• Ioannis Panagiotopoulos, Professor of General Church History, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

The session highlighted the geopolitical, cultural, and theological dimensions of religious diplomacy in the contemporary world, emphasizing the unique contribution of the Orthodox Church to international relations. It served as a springboard for deeper reflection on the role of religion as a bearer of peace, dialogue, and cultural encounter—at a time when the world is reassessing values, meanings, and social cohesion.

Participation in International Conference Panel

On April 7th, 2025, I participated as an invited speaker in Panel Discussion 2: “Religious Monuments and the Christian Values in Dialogue with Society”, as part of the 4th International Conference on Transdisciplinary Multispectral Modelling and Cooperation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage – TMM_CH 2025, held at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens (April 7–9, 2025).

My contribution focused on the enduring relevance of Christian values in the public sphere and the role of religious monuments as living carriers of memory and as spaces of dialogue between past and present, faith and society.

The Conference, presided over by Em. Professor Antonia Moropoulou, brought together scholars and institutional representatives from Greece and abroad, aiming to promote sustainable approaches to the management and enhancement of cultural heritage in the face of global challenges.

Honoring the Battle of Dragoumanos and the Heroes of 1821

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, I had the distinct honor and privilege of delivering an address during the commemorative event for the Battle of Dragoumanos, held in the courtyard of the Church of Saint Dionysios in Ilion. The event was part of the broader celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Municipality of Ilion, while also paying tribute to the important contribution of the local community to the Greek War of Independence of 1821. The initiative was organized by the Association of Arcadians of Ilion, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ilion, the Holy Metropolis of Ilion, and the Parish of Saint Dionysios, with the Union of Liossates of Ilion also actively participating. In my speech, I highlighted the historical significance of the Battle of Dragoumanos—a lesser-known episode, yet one rich in symbolism for the heroism and self-sacrifice of the Greek freedom fighters. The establishment of this annual commemorative event is a noble act of historical remembrance and national self-awareness. The presence of numerous citizens, associations, and local institutions underscored the fact that our historical consciousness remains vibrant and deeply rooted in our community.

It was a great honor for me to participate as a speaker in the New Year’s cake-cutting event of the AEK History and Culture Club, which focused on the theme "Byzantium and the Greek-speaking Villages of Southern Italy – A Shared Heritage." The event took place at the Leonteios School of Athens and gathered a large audience, including researchers, academics, students, and enthusiasts of Greek and Byzantine cultural heritage. In my lecture, I explored the deep and unbroken connection between Byzantium and the Greek-speaking communities of Southern Italy, shedding light on the cultural, linguistic, and historical interactions that continue to unite these peoples today. The presence of the distinguished professor Giorgio Vincenzo Filieri, an expert in the Griko dialect, enriched the discussion with invaluable linguistic and cultural insights. The event also featured a traditional dance performance by the Hellenic Traditional Dance Group, under the direction of dance instructor and folklorist Georgios Fragkakis, offering attendees a vivid representation of the cultural heritage of the Greek-speaking communities of Southern Italy. The warm reception and engaging discussion that followed highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting this shared heritage. I would like to express my gratitude to the AEK History and Culture Club and its president, Christina Soukeri Papastamati, for the invitation and the excellent organization. This event reaffirmed the necessity for further research and initiatives that will strengthen the connection between Greece and the Greek-speaking communities of Southern Italy, keeping our historical memory and cultural identity alive.

With great joy and honor, the Board of Directors of our historic Association, The Friends of Mount Athos, expresses its sincere gratitude for the kind permission to use the Church of Saint Andrew, located in the courtyard of the Archbishop’s Mansion in Athens (19 Agias Filotheis Street), for the Vespers service held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 18:00. The event gathered numerous members and friends of our Association, who attended the solemn service in an atmosphere of reverence and unity. The service was an opportunity for spiritual renewal and reflection, reinforcing our shared devotion to the monastic and spiritual heritage of Mount Athos. Following the Vespers, a warm reception and the traditional cutting of the New Year’s cake (Vasilopita) took place at the Electra Palace Hotel (18-20 Navarchou Nikodimou Street). The evening provided a precious occasion for fellowship and exchange of wishes for the new year, strengthening the bonds among members and supporters of our Association. We sincerely thank all those who honored us with their presence, contributing to the success of this important gathering. Your participation is a testament to the enduring values and spiritual mission that unite us.

I was delighted to participate in the proceedings of the 50th Theological Conference of the Pan-Cyprian Union of Greek Theologians (PEETH) on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation Hall in the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus. The conference was held under the auspices of His Beatitude Archbishop George and focused on the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325).

The topic of my presentation was: "Historical and Canonical Preconditions of the First Ecumenical Council and the Criterion of Experiential Faith."

From my participation on Monday, January 20, 2025, in the presentation of the Volume of Proceedings of the 2nd Scientific Conference in Memory of Asia Minor Hellenism, which was organized on October 20-21, 2023, by the Special Synodal Committee on Cultural Identity. The title of the Volume is: The Orthodox Church in Asia Minor, Pontus, and Eastern Thrace from the Early Christian Centuries to the Dramatic Events of the 20th Century. The sponsorship, editorial management, and publication of the Volume have been undertaken by the publishing house ARHONTARIKI. The presentation took place in the Cultural Events Hall of the Synodal Mansion.

The established "Cutting of the New Year's Pie" event of the DPMS "Greece: Ecclesiastical History and Culture" was held at the School of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

"Hellenism and Philhellenism: Russian Diplomats on the Greek Cause," presentation at the 5th International Conference "Pylos: History, Art, and Culture – Philhellenism," December 13, 2024, Tsiklitira Hall, Pylos.

"Cloud and Obscurantism: The Experience of Faith, Orthodox Theology, and Contemporary Theories," presentation at the International Conference "Orthodox Theology in the 21st Century: Challenges and Perspectives," November 24–28, 2024.

Role: Member of the Scientific and Organizing Committee (Decision of the Dean's Office, Faculty of Theology, University of Athens, January 25, 2024).

From the event for the Alumni of the SYLFF (Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund) Scholarship Program, Friday, October 4, 2024, at the History Museum of the University of Athens.

"Stealing the Heritage of Meteora: The Case of Porphyry Uspensky," presentation at the Symposium "Great Themes of Theology, Philosophy, and Christianity in the Shadow of Meteora," Kalambaka, September 28, 2024.

"The Edition and Commentary on the Life of the Holy Unmercenaries in the 9th Century," presentation at the International Conference "Orthodox Theology and the Service to Fellow Humans: Examples, Challenges, Contemporary Trends," Târgovişte, May 27, 2024.

"Presentation of the Work and Personality of the Honoree," Ceremony for the Conferment of the Title of Honorary Professor to Professor Emeritus Vlasios Io. Feidas of the Faculty of Theology, University of Athens, Athens, April 17, 2024.

"The Apostolic Church of Aigialeia," presentation at the International Theological Conference "Quests of Saint Luke the Glorious Apostle and Evangelist," Kalavryta, February 2–4, 2024.

A Luxurious Edition on the History of the Churches of Ilion and Their Evolution Over Time

A new publication, the result of meticulous research, historical data collection, and documentation, is now available to the residents of Ilion. The presentation of this book took place with great ceremony on November 22, 2023, at the Ilion Town Hall. The event was led by Associate Professor of General Church History at the Faculty of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Ioannis Panagiotopoulos.

The event was attended by the Mayor of Ilion, Nikos Zenetos; the representative of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos, Archimandrite and Second Secretary of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, Fr. Nikodimos Athanasiou; the representative of the Metropolitan of Ilion, Athenagoras, Archimandrite Fr. Symeon Avgoustakis; Metropolitan of Fthiotida, Symeon; and Athanasios Martinos, shipowner, CEO of the AIGEAS organization, and the book’s major sponsor. Brief addresses were also given by these distinguished guests, along with numerous clergy and attendees.

In his brief speech, Mayor Zenetos emphasized that the new book fulfills a long-standing vision of documenting the history of all the city's churches and the clergy who served them. "This is an effort that seeks to bridge historical knowledge with spiritual breadth, pushing the boundaries of our thinking," he stated. He added that this book, along with the historical album "ILION – A Place of Historical Memory and Creation," published in 2018, constitutes an invaluable legacy for the city.

The Mayor expressed heartfelt thanks to Athanasios Martinos for his generous sponsorship, which once again highlights his deep sensitivity to matters of history and tradition. He also extended gratitude to Ioannis Panagiotopoulos for his presentation, Ira Manara for her tireless efforts, publisher Konstantinos Vgontzas and LYXNIA Publications, as well as everyone who contributed to the creation of the book, portraying the ecclesiastical landscape of Ilion.

During his address, Associate Professor Panagiotopoulos highlighted that Ilion is the first municipality to publish a book documenting the history of its churches, including the clergy who have served there.

The event was coordinated by NKUA folklorist Giorgos Fragakis and was attended by church leaders, clergy, former Mayor of Trikolonoi Giorgos Baroutsas, Member of Parliament for Western Athens Nadia Giannakopoulou, Regional Councilor Chrysanthi Avlonitou, the President of the Ilion Municipal Council, deputy mayors, council members, the author and publisher of the historic newspaper “I Prokopi” and President of the Christian Shelter of Ilion "I Odos,"Antonis Panagiotopoulos, along with representatives of local organizations and associations.

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Church of St. Anargyroi, Psyrri (November 13, 2023): Presentation of the book by Fr. Panteleimon Tsorbatzoglou, "Saint Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury: A Greek from Tarsus, Cilicia, in England (668–690)."

Speakers (from left to right):

• Angelos Syrigos, Associate Professor of International Relations, Panteion University – Member of Parliament for Athens.

• Ioannis Panagiotopoulos, Associate Professor of General Church History, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).

• Angeliki Delikari, Associate Professor of Medieval History of Slavic Peoples, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), President of the Hellenic Historical Society – Member of Parliament for Kavala.

• Vaios Vaiopoulos, Professor of Latin Philology, NKUA.

The event was moderated by journalist Athanasios Choupis.

"The Autocephaly of the Apostolic Church of Cyprus and the Institution of the Pentarchy of the Patriarchs,"presentation at the International Theological Conference "The Great and Sacred Office of the Episcopacy" – Memorial for the Late Archbishop of Cyprus, Chrysostomos II, November 6, 2023, Faculty of Theology, Church of Cyprus.

In the photo: with the session chair, His Grace Bishop Gregorios of Mesaoria.

"Principles of Ecclesiastical Administration in the Era of Reconstruction: The Ecumenical Throne as an Ark,"presentation at the 2nd International Scientific Conference "Ecumenical Patriarchate in the 15th–16th Centuries: The Era of Reconstruction," October 23, 2023, Holy Metropolis of Chalcedon, Constantinople.

A delegation from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), consisting of Associate Professor Ioannis Panagiotopoulos and Assistant Professor Fotios Apostolos from the Department of Theology, Faculty of Theology, participated in the International Theological Conference titled "The Church in the Early Centuries," held on September 26–27, 2023.

The conference was organized by the Faculty of Theology at Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University in Tbilisi, Georgia. Most members of the Faculty of Theology at Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University are doctoral graduates of NKUA or Greek speakers.

In the photo, from left to right:

• Assistant Professor Fotios Apostolos (NKUA)

• Associate Professor Ioannis Panagiotopoulos (NKUA)

• Akaki Chelidze (Rector, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University)

• Assistant Professor Andreas P. Zachariou (Faculty of Theology, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University)

• Professor Gocha Barnovi (Dean, Faculty of Theology, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University)

• Professor Tamar Meskhi (Faculty of Theology, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani University).