Courses & Teaching

You can find in this page information about Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses, as well as Seminars. Register on the E-learning Platform of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ecclas.uoa.gr) and the Open Academic Courses of the University of Athens (opencourses.uoa.gr).

Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: «General Church History» . 

Semester: 1st (Fall), Core Course  

Teaching Hours: Tuesday: 9:00-11:00, Thursday: 10:00-12:00.

Aims:  

The course has a foundational and preparatory character. It facilitates understanding both the actions of ecclesiastical figures from the early centuries and the Christian experience as theory and practice. It also emphasizes the historical and temporal context while introducing fundamental theological terms and concepts.

Expected Learning Outcomes:  

Students will comprehend the historical process, which represents the mature fruit of many struggles against heterodoxy. This process was also aided by the selective adoption of elements from the rich legacy of classical Greek antiquity, used as the prime medium for recording and presenting the content of the Christian faith.  

This is not a mere recounting of historical events; rather, it is an objective and methodologically rigorous presentation of the synchronic and diachronic self-awareness of the Church, as expressed through historical events.

Course Content:  

The course "General Church History" covers an extensive period in the Church's history, beginning with Pentecost and concluding with the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans (1453). Using the canonical conscience of the responsible individuals for addressing ecclesiastical crises as a key methodological criterion, the course highlights:  

- The establishment of the Church and the dissemination of the Gospel message.  

- The governance of the Early Church.  

- Various attempts to alter apostolic teachings and fragment Church unity.  

The seven Ecumenical Councils are central to the course, as they articulated doctrinal truths and provided responses directly tied to the life and organization of the ecclesiastical body. Events and councils convened between the 9th and 15th centuries are explored not only within the context of the Eastern Church but also concerning the entirety of Christendom.  

Specific topics span a wide range of issues connected to the overall dialogue developed within the framework of the course.  

A lack of understanding or misinterpretation of ecclesiological presuppositions or criteria relevant to the formation of these historical events restricts the universal perspective on unique ecclesiastical phenomena, thus failing to capture their true significance within the evolutionary sequence of historical transformations.

The course is supplemented with rich auxiliary materials (notes, texts, etc.) and audiovisual aids.

Course Assessment:  

Students are assessed through final written or oral exams. Additionally, optional assignments or presentations within the framework of the course contribute to the evaluation.  

The Course Guide has been uploaded to the course page at https://ecclas.uoa.gr.

Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens:  

«The Emergence and Development of Orthodoxy»  

Semester: 4th (Spring), Elective Core Course  

Teaching Hours: ...

Aims:  

The course aims to help students recognize the tragic ecclesiastical and ecclesiological consequences of the Great Schism of the 11th century (1054) and the subsequent Reformation. These events became fully understood after the cessation of communion between the Eastern and Western Churches. The papal throne lost its canonical ecumenical influence as the "first throne" over the entire Church through the institution of the Pentarchy of patriarchs. Meanwhile, the patriarchal thrones of the East lost the collaborative synodal partnership of the papal throne within the framework of the Pentarchy.

Expected Learning Outcomes:  

Students will gain an understanding of the evolution and operation of the institution of the Pentarchy of the Patriarchs. This involves an in-depth study and analysis of the principles upon which ecclesiastical administrative institutions were built. Particular attention is given to the formation and historical application of the criterion of canonical conscience by responsible individuals in addressing ecclesiastical crises over time.

Course Content:  

The course provides a historical overview of the genesis and evolution of the Pentarchy of the Patriarchs, examining specific issues related to the principles and institutions of ecclesiastical administration. Topics include:  

- The foundational conditions for the formation of the Pentarchy of the Patriarchs, from its inception to the Fourth Ecumenical Council (451).  

- Historical and canonical challenges in the functioning of this institution (451–553).  

- The development of the Pentarchy of the Patriarchs as an institution.  

- The Pentarchy and the Ecumenical Councils.  

- Byzantine "Synallilia" and the Pentarchy.  

- The establishment and use of the title "Ecumenical Patriarch."  

- The significance of the Schism of 1054.  

The course also addresses modern issues that arose after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 and extend to the Holy and Great Council of Crete (2016).  

Course Assessment:  

Students are assessed through final written or oral exams. Additionally, optional assignments or presentations within the course framework contribute to the evaluation.

Prerequisites:  

This is an introductory course that highlights the conditions for the development and historical application of the criterion of canonical conscience by responsible individuals addressing ecclesiastical crises over time.

Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens:  

«Constantinople: The Genesis of a Christian Capital».  

Semester: 8th (Spring), Free Elective Course  

Teaching Hours: ...

Aims:  

This course has a constructive character, aiming to deepen understanding of the actions of ecclesiastical figures from the early centuries, as well as the Christian experience, both as theory and practice, within the new capital of the empire. It examines the development of New Rome as a political, ecclesiastical, and spiritual center.

Expected Learning Outcomes:  

Students will grasp the historical process of transforming a pagan city into a monumental ecclesiastical and spiritual center. Understanding the institutional functions that contributed to the continual growth of the city's Christian identity is a primary outcome.

Course Content:  

The transformation of the iconic city of Byzantium into the new capital of an evolving empire and its emergence as "Christian Constantinople" represents a journey that shaped the world. The course examines the following topics:  

1. The founding of the city of Byzantium and its pagan environment; the Roman period and its significance.  

2. The establishment of the Apostolic Church of Byzantium and the persecutions of the Early Church in Byzantium.  

3. The founding of New Rome and its religious composition; the construction of Christian churches and martyrdom shrines, including the Church of the Holy Apostles and Emperor Constantine the Great.  

4. The creation of the Archbishopric of Constantinople and the Arian controversies.  

5. The new imperial ideology: the Emperor, the Church, and the people of Constantinople.  

6. Political factors and their significance for the city.  

7. The Ecumenical Patriarchate.  

8. The Hagia Sophia: its function and significance.  

9. The monasteries of the Queen of Cities.  

10. The clergy of Constantinople.  

11. The Church's property.  

12. The philanthropic and educational work of the Church of Constantinople.  

13. The establishment of the city as Christian.

The course is enriched with extensive auxiliary materials (notes, texts, etc.) and the use of audiovisual media.

Course Assessment:  

Students are evaluated through final written or oral exams. Additionally, optional assignments or presentations within the framework of the course contribute to the overall assessment.

«Postgraduate Program in Orthodox Theology», Faculty of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Course: «The Spread of Christian Faith and the Role of Martyrs in the Early Church».  

Semester: 1st  

Aims:  

The course emphasizes the essential role of martyrs and examines the theology of martyrdom with its enduring relevance to Christian identity.

Expected Learning Outcomes:  

- Development of methodological skills for analyzing relevant texts.  

- Ability to interpret and compare different types of martyrological sources.  

Course Content:  

- The political and social factors that amplified the importance of martyrs.  

- The literary portrayal of martyrs and its impact on shaping public opinion.  

Assessment:  

- Analysis of martyrological texts in comparison with historical records.  

- Creation of short essays addressing questions such as: "What was the impact of martyrs on the establishment of the early Church?"  

General Remarks:  

1. Enhanced Audiovisual Resources: Use of interactive maps, virtual tours of Hagia Sophia, and historical monuments.  

2. Interdisciplinary Approach: Incorporation of elements from sociology or anthropology to understand cultural transformations.  

3. Collaborative Learning: Division of students into groups to explore different aspects of each topic.  

«Postgraduate Program in Orthodox Theology», Faculty of Theology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Course: «The Iconoclastic Controversy: Precursors, Protagonists, and Consequences». 

Semester: 2nd  

Aims:  

The course aims at an in-depth understanding of: 1) The theological, political, and social factors that led to Iconoclasm. 2) The main protagonists of the conflict and their positions. 3) The long-term consequences of Iconoclasm in shaping Orthodox identity and the culture of the Byzantine Empire.

Expected Learning Outcomes:  

Upon completing the course, students are expected to: Understand the reasons and triggers for the outbreak of Iconoclasm; Analyze the theological arguments for and against the use of icons; Evaluate the impact of Iconoclasm on Church-State relations; Connect the consequences of Iconoclasm with the development of Byzantine art and Orthodox worship.

Course Content:  

1. Precursors to Iconoclasm: The theology of the icon in the early Church. Social, political, and religious trends in the 7th century. The influence of Judaism and Islam on the development of iconoclastic views.  

2. First Phase of Iconoclasm (726–787): The role of Emperor Leo III and Constantine V. The theological arguments against the veneration of icons. Reactions and the contribution of the Church of Rome.  

The Restoration of Icons (787): The Seventh Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. The significance of its decisions for the Orthodox tradition.  

4. Second Phase of Iconoclasm (814–843): The role of the Isaurian and Macedonian dynasties. The theology of Theodore the Studite. The definitive restoration of Orthodoxy in 843 (Sunday of Orthodoxy).  

5. Consequences of Iconoclasm: Its impact on Byzantine art and iconography. Relations between East and West (Orthodox and Catholic Churches). The cultural and theological legacy of Iconoclasm.

Teaching Approach: The course is supported by: Primary sources (council acts, theological texts), Secondary literature and lecture notes, Audiovisual material (images, illustrations, videos), Visits to exhibitions or museums of Byzantine art, where feasible.

Assessment: 1) Final Exams: written or oral exams focusing on theological arguments and historical analysis. 2). Optional Assignments or Presentations: Case Study: e.g., analysis of the Seventh Ecumenical Council. Theological comparison between supporters and opponents of icons. 3) Interactive Projects: Chronological reconstruction of Iconoclasm events. Analysis of iconographic examples before and after Iconoclasm.  

«Postgraduate Program Greece: Church History and Culture», Faculty of Social Theology and Christian Culture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) - Faculty of Social Theology and Religion Studies, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Course: «Administration and Organization of the Church of Greece». 

Semester: 2nd (Elective Course)  

Course Content: 

1. Impact of the Greek War of Independence (1821): Consequences for the administration of Greek Metropolises and Dioceses. Initiatives by Ioannis Kapodistrias (1827–1831).  

2. Declaration of Autocephaly of the Church of Greece (1833): The unilateral proclamation of the Church's Autocephaly.

3. Recognition of Autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarchate (1850): Examination of the conditions and significance of this recognition. 

4. Patriarchal and Synodal Acts (1866, 1882): Their historical context and impact on the Church’s administration. 

5. The Ecclesiastical Status of the "New Lands" (1928): Integration of dioceses in Northern Greece and Epirus under special administrative arrangements. 

6. Semi-Autonomous Church of Crete (1900): Analysis of its unique ecclesiastical framework.

7. Administrative Status of Mount Athos: Examination of its autonomy and governance structure.

8. Administrative Status of the Exarchate of Patmos and Patriarchal Monasteries: Their historical evolution and contemporary organization. 

9. Statutory Charter of the Church of Greece (Law 590/1977): Detailed analysis of its provisions and their application. 

10. Key Figures in Church Leadership: The role and contributions of Archbishops Seraphim (1974–1998) and Christodoulos (1998–2008). 

Recommended Bibliography:  

The course includes a curated list of primary sources, academic monographs, and articles on the history and administration of the Church of Greece, with emphasis on legal, historical, and theological perspectives.  

Teaching Approach: 

The course combines lectures with: Analysis of primary texts (e.g., Patriarchal Acts, Statutory Charter). Audiovisual material (maps, historical records). Discussions on case studies (e.g., the "New Lands").  

Assessment:  

- Final written or oral examination.  

- Optional assignments focusing on specific topics, such as:  

  - Comparative analysis of autocephalous proclamations.  

  - Study of the administration of Mount Athos.  

- Group projects on historical or contemporary aspects of Church organization.  

Bibliography:

• Αθανάσιος Αν. Αγγελόπουλος, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία: Ιστορία των δομών διοικήσεως και ζωής της εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος, Θεσσαλονίκη, (2)2015.

• Αθανάσιος Αν. Αγγελόπουλος, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία: η Εκκλησία των Νέων Χωρών (1912 - 1929), Θεσσαλονίκη, (2)2015.

• Αθανάσιος Αν. Αγγελόπουλος, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία: Η μοναχική πολιτεία του Αγίου Όρους. Ιστορία, τυπικά, ζωή, Θεσσαλονίκη, (2)2015.

• Εμμανουήλ Ιω. Κωνσταντινίδης, Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας και η Εκκλησιαστική του Πολιτική, Αθήνα, (5)2001.

• Εμμανουήλ Ιω. Κωνσταντινίδης, Η Ανακήρυξις του Αυτοκεφάλου της εν Ελλάδι Εκκλησίας (1850) και η θέσις των Μητροπόλεων των «Νέων Χωρών» (1928), Αθήνα, 2008.

• Κωνσταντίνος Ιω. Μάνικας, Η διαμόρφωση των σχέσεων Εκκλησίας και Πολιτείας στη Νεότερη Ελλάδα 1821-1852, Αθήνα, 2008.

• Κωνσταντίνος Ιω. Μάνικας, Το ζήτημα των σχέσεων Εκκλησίας και Πολιτείας στην Ελλάδα κατά την περίοδο 1827-1850, Αθήνα, 2011.

• Ανδρέας Νανάκης, Εκκλησιαστικά Kρήτης, 19ος-20ος αιώνας, Θεσσαλονίκη, 1997.

• Ανδρέας Νανάκης, Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου νεώτερα ιστορικά, τ. Α, Θεσσαλονίκη, 2000.

• Ανδρέας Νανάκης, Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου νεώτερα ιστορικά, τ. Β, Θεσσαλονίκη, 2004.

• Ανδρέας Νανάκης, Η εκκλησία και ο Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος, Θεσσαλονίκη, 2004.

• Ανδρέας Νανάκης, Εκκλησία εθναρχούσα και εθνική: Μέσα από τη σύναξη των πρεσβυτέρων και τον ιερό σύνδεσμο της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος (1870-1922), Θεσσαλονίκη, 2002.

• Ιωάννης Αντ. Παναγιωτόπουλος (επ.), Από τη Θεία Οικονομία στην Οικονομία της Εκκλησίας, Αθήνα, 2015.

• Βλάσιος Ιω. Φειδάς, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία, τ. 1, Αθήνα, (3)2002.

• Βλάσιος Ιω. Φειδάς, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία, τ. 2, Αθήνα, (3)2002. 

• Βλάσιος Ιω. Φειδάς, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία, τ. 3, Αθήνα, 2014.

Selected Bibliography

• Βασίλειος Ατέσης (πρ. Μητροπολίτης Λήμνου), Επισκοπικοί Κατάλογοι της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος απ᾽ αρχής μέχρι σήμερον, εν Αθήναις 1975.  

• Γιώργος Βαλσάμης (επ.), Οι Προκαθήμενοι Αθηνών και Πάσης Ελλάδος, Βόλος, 1997.

• Δανιήλ Καισαριανής, Βύρωνος και Υμηττού, Η ρύθμιση της Εκκλησιαστικής Διοικήσεως των Ιερών Μητροπόλεων των απελευθερωθεισών περιοχών της Ελλάδος μετά το 1914 (Μακεδονία, Ήπειρος, Θράκη και νήσοι Β.Α. Αιγαίου), τ. Α´-Β´, Αθήναι, 2017 (Ι.Μ. Καισαριανής, Βύρωνος και Υμηττού).   

• Εμμανουήλ Καραγεωργούδης, Ο Μελέτιος Μεταξάκης ως Μητροπολίτης Αθηνών, Θεσσαλονίκη, 2008.

• Εμμανουήλ Καραγεωργούδης, Πτυχές της Εθνικής και Κοινωνικής Προσφοράς της Εκκλησίας, Αθήνα, 2013.

• Εμμανουήλ Καραγεωργούδης, Ο Γερμανός Καλλιγάς ως Μητροπολίτης Αθηνών, Αθήνα, 2015. 

• Βασίλειος Χρ. Καραγιώργος, Το ζήτημα της σχέσεως Εκκλησίας – Πολιτείας κατά την περίοδο της Επαναστάσεως 1821, Αθήνα, 1998.

• Γεράσιμος Ιω. Κονιδάρης, Εκκλησιαστική Ιστορία της Ελλάδος, τ. 1-2, Αθήνα, (2)2011. 

• Γεράσιμος Ιω. Κονιδάρης, Η Άρσις του Βουλγαρικού Σχίσματος, Αθήνα, (2)2012.

• Εμμανουήλ Ιω. Κωνσταντινίδης, Συμβολή εις την Εκκλησιαστικήν Ιστορίαν της Δωδεκανήσου, Αθήνα, 1968.

• Εμμανουήλ Ιω. Κωνσταντινίδης, Η διοικητική διαίρεσις της Αυτοκεφάλου Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος κατά το Β´ ήμισυ του ΙΘ´ αιώνος, Αθήνα, 1968.

• Βασίλειος Α. Λαμπρόπουλος, Σεραφείμ, ο άνθρωπος που νίκησε τα γεγονότα, Αθήνα, 1998. 

• Κωνσταντίνος Ιω. Μάνικας, Σχέσεις Ορθοδοξίας και Ρωμαιοκαθολικισμού κατά τη διάρκεια της Επαναστάσεως (1821-1827), Αθήνα, 2002. 

• Βασίλειος Κ. Μάρκος, Το νομικό καθεστώς των πατριαρχικών και σταυροπηγιακών μονών στην Ελληνική επικράτεια, Αθήνα, 2012. 

• Γεώργιος Δ. Μεταλληνός, Παράδοση και Αλλοτρίωση, Αθήνα, 2001. 

• Γεώργιος Δ. Μεταλληνός, Το Ζήτημα της μεταφράσεως της Αγίας Γραφής εις την νεοελληνικήν κατά τον ΙΘ´ αι., Αθήνα, (2)2004. 

• Χρήστος Μπόνης, Χριστόδουλος - Ένας Αρχιεπίσκοπος με όραμα, Αθήνα, 2009. 

• Αριστείδης Γ. Πανώτης, Το Συνοδικόν της εν Ελλάδι Εκκλησίας, τ. 1, Αθήνα, 2007· τ. 2, Αθήνα, 2009· τ. 3, τεύχος Α´, 2018.

• Χρυσόστομος Παπαδόπουλος (Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών), Ιστορία της Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος -Απ᾽ αρχής μέχρι του 1934, Αθήνα, (3)2000. 

• Χριστόδουλος Παρασκευαΐδης (Αρχιεπίσκοπος Αθηνών), Ιστορική και κανονική θεώρησις του παλαιοημερολογιτικού ζητήματος κατά τε την γένεσιν και την εξέλιξιν αυτού εν Ελλάδι, Αθήναι, 1982. 

• Ιβάν Ι. Σοκολόφ, Η Εκκλησία Κωνσταντινουπόλεως κατά τον 19ο αιώνα, μτφρ. π. Βασίλειος Παπαθανασίου, Θεσσαλονίκη, 2011.   

• Σωτήρης Μ. Τζούμας, Χριστόδουλος, Αθήνα, 2010.

Colloquium for Doctoral Candidates in General Church History  

Semester: Winter - Spring  

Every second Monday of the month, Doctoral Candidates and Postdoctoral Researchers under my supervision participate in a scholarly meeting. During these sessions, participants present topics from their ongoing dissertations, followed by in-depth discussion and analysis.  

The Colloquium is not open to the public.