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Theodora is an author, academic, international volunteer, ex-banker, member of the board
Overview
Overview
June 2025, and during the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa between 18th - 24th June 2025, Dr Theodora Issa was elected as a member of the Executive Committee representing the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East, and will be occupying the Oriental Family seat on the Executive Committee for the period 2026-2030.
September 2022, and during the World Council of Churches (WCC) 11th Assembly Dr Theodora Issa was elected a member of the Central Committee of the WCC representing her Syriac Orthodox Patrirchate of Antioch and all the East
February 2020 Dr Theodora Issa SFHEA has been recognised as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy through the Queensland University of Technology Academy of Learning and Teaching.
June 2016 During the second meeting of the Central Committee (CC) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) that was held in Trondheim, Norway during the period 22nd - 28th June 2016, Dr Theodora Issa was elected a member of the Permanent Committee on Collaboration and Consensus (PCCC).
July 2014 During the first meeting of the Central Committee (CC) of the World Council of Churches (WCC) that was held in Geneva, Switzerland during the period 2nd - 8th July 2014, Dr Theodora Issa was elected a member of the Education and Ecumenical Formation Commission (EEF), the first meeting of which was held in Switzerland in February 2015 until 2022. Please check this URL.
October/November 2013 During the sessions of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) held in Busan, South Korea between the period 30th October - 8th November 2013, Dr Theodora Issa was elected a member of the Central Committee of the WCC, being the first female representative of her Church in the history of WCC. For further details please visit this URL
February 2010 Theodora was awarded her Doctor of Philosophy in a graduation ceremony on 9th February 2010. Theodora's PhD thesis (2009) 'Ethical mindsets, aesthetics and spirituality: a mixed-methods approach analysis of the Australian services sector' is available here. This PhD thesis was awarded the 2010 Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Award in the Management and Governance category. Please check this URL.
Theodora is currently conducting her post-doctoral research. Data has been collected from twelve countries, and manuscript is under preparation for publication with Springer.
In addition, Theodora collaborated with The Management Centre for Human Values (MCHV) of India, through networking established between herself, Professor Chatterjee of Curtin University and Professor Bhatta of MCHV.
Theodora has conducted some translations of historical and spiritual books (on voluntary basis):
'Appropriate Testimony and Confirmation of the Mysteries of Incarnation and Redemption' that was authored by Rabban Zakka Iwas in 1959 (Currently the Patriarch of Antioch of the Syrian Orthodox Church) -(June 2005). This translation formed a part of the festschrift that became the official Patriarchal Jubilee document. This document was compiled by the Syrian OrthodoxIndian Community in Chicago, USA on the Silver Jubilee of the installation of H.H. on the See of Antioch. The FESTSCHRIFT is of 550 pages published September, 2005. Please check this URL
'Commandments and Spiritual Guidance to the visitors of the Holy Places in Jerusalem' that was authored by the Thrice Blessed H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Elias III, Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, for the period 1917-1932+ .This translation was published as part of the publication on the 75th anniversary of the thrice blessed departure from this earthly life (published February 2007). Please check this URL
Theodora has a sound commercial intuition backed by significant experience across a range of industries; such as banking, insurance, export and education.
Theodora worked as a volunteer with The Red Cross, World Vision, and Young Women Christian Association. Currently a volunteer with her community (editor of the weekly bulletin which can be seen here , also one of the webmasters of the Church's website which can be seen here.
Theodora holds a professional work ethics, and has great interest in understanding of ethical mindsets not only in Australia, but globally.
VOLUNTARY AFFILIATIONS
2025 - During the second Central Committee meeting for this term held in Johannesburg, South Africa, which is considered the 70th meeting of the Central Committee since the establishment of the World Council of Churches, Theodora was elected a member of the Executive Committee of the WCC to serve between 2026-2030 - being the first female member to serve and represent her church (Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East) and occupy the seat of the Oriental Family in this committee.
2023 - to date Became a member of the Public Issues Committee - a sub-committee within the Central Committee that meets at the fringes of the Central Committee meetings. (Decision taken during the Central Committee meeting held in Geneva - Switzerland in June 2023).
2022 – to date Elected as a member of the Central Committee of the WCC, Switzerland during the 11th Assembly held in Germany.
2022 – Participated in the WCC 11th Assembly held in Germany in August/September 2022 as a member of the delegation of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East.
2020 – to date – Member of the Advisory Board the Ecumenical Centre for Pilgrims and Biblical Studies.
2016 – April 2023 – Member of the Permanent Committee of Consensus and Collaboration (PCCC) – World Council of Churches (WCC) – Geneva, Switzerland
2014 – 2022 – Member of the Education and Ecumenical Commission – World Council of Churches (WCC) – Geneva, Switzerland
2013 – 2022 – Member of the Central Committee – World Council of Churches (WCC), Geneva – Switzerland – Elected during the 10th WCC Assembly held in Busan – South Korea – Oct/Nov2013 at the time I was appointed by the Head of the Church as a delegate at the 10th Assembly.
2013 – Appointed as a delegate on behalf of Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East to the World Council of Churches 10th Assembly, Busan, South Korea.
1995 – to date – One of the Webmasters of the Community website http://soca.cjb.net
1995 – 2017 – One of the editors of the weekly bulletin that is being written, translated, printed, and distributed free to community members in Western Australia, Over East, and overseas. In addition, this weekly bulletin made its way to the web under the website http://noohro.cjb.net.
1980s – 1995 – Was involved with the Middle East and Near East Councils of Churches in Amman – Jordan (travelled to Cyprus, and Egypt, also attending conferences in Jordan) in addition working with the Ecumenical Centre in Jordan. Representing the Syrian Orthodox Church at the annual prayers for Women, Unity.
EARLIER VOLUNTARY AFFILIATIONS
The World Vision
The Young Women Christian Association
The Red Cross
Voluntary webmaster of http://soca.cjb.net
Voluntary co-editor of http://noohro.cjb.net
Theodora works with her family voluntarily in helping with regards to our Syriac/Aramaic language.
In the article 'Forty years of Syriac computing' https://hugoye.bethmardutho.org/article/hv10n1kiraz George Kiraz wrote:
In mid 1995, the first Church-based web site appeared as a family effort by the Issas of Australia. Corepiscopos Boutros Touma, his son Touma Issa and daughter Theodora Issa put together a web site on the Syrian Orthodox Church. Due to a lack of a proper web server, Touma Issa hosted the site on his personal Windows 3.1 desktop using special software called Windows httpd that allowed the computer to serve web pages. He had to keep the desktop turned on 24/7. The URL was on the Murdock University network (http://chempc25.murdoch.edu), then moved after two years to a proper web server on the University network (wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~t-issa/syr/syr.htm). In 2005, the site was moved out of the university to a free geocities web server (http://soca.cjb.net and http://syriac.cjb.net).
Dr Theodora Issa in an image taken of the Central Committee memebrs, advisors, and stewards attending the 70th Central Committee meeting in Johannesburg South Africa - June 2025
Dr Theodora Issa in an image taken of the women who participated in a meeting held on the sides of the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg - South Africa - June 2025
Dr Theodora Issa during the prayers at the commencement of the meeting of women on the sides of the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg - South Africa - June 2025
Dr Theodora Issa as member of the Public Issues Committee which is a sub-committee of the Central Committee after holding one of their meetings at the sides of the 70th Central Committee meeeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa - June 2025
Dr Theodora Issa with representatives from church in Zambia, Jamaica and Germany who were sitting next to each other during the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa in June 2025.
Dr Theodora Issa with those who attended the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg, South African in June 2025 who came from Australia for this meeting.
Dr Theodora Issa having an intervention during the decision session as the Governance and Nomination Committee report was discussed during the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa in June 2025.
Dr Theodora Issa seated in the hall listening to the General Secretary and the Moderator during one of the sessions of the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg, South African in June 2025.
Dr Theodora Issa providing a brief piece of news to the members of the Central Committee during their 70th meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa between 18th - 24th June 2025 on the sad events in Mor Elias Damascus, Syria of 22JUN2025 at the invitation of the General Secretary which was followed by one minute silence and prayer.
Dr Theodora Issa intervening during the plenary of Apostolic Faith during the 70th Central Committee meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa between 18th - 24th June 2025. This intervension was about the Council of Nicaea advising of the participation of the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Persecution.
Dr Theodora Issa during the regional meeting held on the sides of the 70th Central Committee held in Johannesburg, South Africa during the period 18th - 24th June 2025.
Dr Theodora Issa standing during one of the prayers sessions held at the Central Committee 70th meeting held in Johannesburg, South Africa during the period 18th - 24th June 2025.
Image taken at the Chapel of the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva - Switzerland during the first meeting of the Public Issues Committee during the meetings of the Central Committee in June 2023.
Theodora Issa, addressing the moderator, vice moderators and the General Secretary during an intervention at the business plenary in the Central Committee meeting of June 2023 at the Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland.
Theodora Issa, while praying in Syriac/Aramaic during the morning prayer on 27th June 2023 at the chapel in the Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland.
Orthodox Meeting (the two families Eastern and Oriental Orthodox) during the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches Meeting in Geneva - Switzerland - June 2023.
An image taken for the members of the Central Committee at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva Switzerland in June 2023. Also appearing in the image, the stewards, the advisors, the guests and the WCC staff.
During the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Germany, and on Sunday H.E. Mor Philoxinous Mattias Nayesh, H.E. Mor Polycarpus Aydin, H.E. Mor Theophilos, H.E. Mor Geevargheese, and H.E. Kawak celebrated with the local community a Syriac Divine Liturgy.
Theodora Issa with the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and all the East delegation at the World Council of Churches 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe Germany August/September 2022.
Theodora Issa with the team from Education and Ecumenical Formation Commission - 2019
With the team from Education and Ecumenical Formation Commission at the chapel at the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Centre, 2019
At the chapel in Bossey, Switzerland 2019 when Theodora Issa led the prayers in the evening.
Bossey, Switzerland, 2019 -
With the team of Education and Ecumenical Formation and the students from Bossey
Education and Ecumenical Formation CEEF_WCC_Feb 2015
This is an image duing the meeting held in Switzerland in February 2015
EEF Bossey, Switzerland 2019
With three members of the Education and Ecumenical Formation
The First Central Committee meeting attended by Theodora Issa at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva - Switzerland in July 2014.
Central Committee meeting attended by Theodora Issa at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva Switzerland in June 2018
Virtual Central Committee meeting attended by Theodora Issa February 2022 - following the COVID19
Virtual Central Committee meeting - during the COVID19 era group photo - June 2021
Central Committee meeting held in Trondheim Norway in 2016
A photo taken in Busan, South Korea during the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches WCC - November 2013 - In the image H.E. Mor Mor Eustathius Matta Roham and Dr Theodora Issa members of the Central Committee of the WCC representing the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch.
An image taken in Karlsruhe, Germany during the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches with the NCCA General Secretary of Australia Liz Stone
The last meeting of the PCCC of the WCC held in Bossey - Switzerland - April 2023.
PCCC of WCC virtual meeting in January 2022 (following COVID19.
PCCC of WCC meeting held at the Balamand Monastery - Lebanon in April 2019.
Image taken of Theodora Issa at the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva - Switzerland - June 2023.
During one of the prayers sessions at the 11th Assembly, Germany 2023
During the Oriental Churches evening prayer for the whole Assembly in the presence of Archbishop of Canterbury - 11th Assembly - Germany 2023
During the PCCC meeting in Germany in May 2018
During the Education and Ecumenical Formation Commission meeting in Geneva in 2019.
During the 11th Assembly in Germany 2022 with one of the Assyrian Church representatives
During the 11th Assembly - Germany 2022 - an intervention during an Ecumenical Discussion
During the 11th Assembly, at the evening prayer when we were as members of the Central Committee sat together to receive the blessings prior to commencing (my second term) - Germany 2022
During a virtual meeting on the Middle East issues - WCC
On the panel during the Central Committee meeting in the Ecumenical Centre - June 2018
Theodora Issa conveying a speech on unity during the panel on 'unity' at the Central Committee meeting in the Ecumenical Centre - June 2018
Theodora Issa conveying a speech on unity during the panel on 'unity' at the Central Committee meeting in the Ecumenical Centre - June 2018
Theodora Issa conveying a speech on unity during the panel on 'unity' at the Central Committee meeting in the Ecumenical Centre - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa participating in the first plenary at the Central Committee meeting held at the Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa delivering her talk on 'Unity' as she participated in the first plenary at the Central Committee meeting held at the Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa sharing some verses from St. Paul on unity, as she participated in the first plenary at the Central Committee meeting held at the Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa intervention during the discussion seeking additional items to the Public Issues, at the Central Committee meeting held at the Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa participating with the choir during Pope Francis visit to the Ecumenical Centre, at the Central Committee meeting held at the Chapel - Geneva - Switzerland - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa as a member of the Central Committee received this papal medal that was distributed during Pope Francis visit to the Ecumenical Centre, Geneva - Switzerland - June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa in the audience at the National Cathedral in Geneva Switzerland during the service held in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the WCC in the presence of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, June 2018
Dr Theodora Issa and as a member of the Central Committee of the WCC received this gift a token on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the WCC - during the Central Committee meeting held in Ecumenical Centre - Geneva - Switzerland.
Image taken of Theodora Issa during the Central Committee meeting at the Ecumenical Centre in June 2018
Theodora Issa appears in an image taken at the chapel at the Ecumenical Centre during morning prayers prior to the plenaries in June 2023.
Theodora Issa seated with other Central Commitee members during the plenaries - June 2018
Theodora Issa during the break - following up on the documentations sent - during the Central Committee meeting - June 2018
Visiting the Greek Orthodox Bishop Audeh in Beirut - Lebanon in April 2019 during the meeting of the Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration (WCC) that was held at the Balamand Monastery - Lebanon
A Group photo with other members of the committee
Visiting the Greek Orthodox Bishop Audeh in Beirut - Lebanon in April 2019 during the meeting of the Permanent Committee on Consensus and Collaboration (WCC) that was held at the Balamand Monastery - Lebanon
A Group photo with other members of the committee
Theodora Issa presenting to Bishop Audeh a copy of the great painting of Our Lady Virgin Mary by St. Luke - that is currently held at St. Mark Monastery in Jerusalem to the Greek Orthodox Bishop - April 2019 - Beirut - Lebanon (appearing in the image Fr Jack Khalil of the Greek Orthodox Church and a member of the PCCC then).
Theodora Issa with the Greek Orthodox Bishop Audeh - Beirut Lebanon - April 2019
Theodora Issa at the Balamand Monastery - Lebanon - April 2019 - appearing in the background an image of both Youhanna Ibrahim and Bolous Yaziji - praying for their return.
Theodora Issa at the St. Mary's Church Atchaneh Lebanon in April 2019 attending the funeral of the Thrice Blessed Matta Shamoun that was presided by H.H. Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Patriarch of Antioch and all the East, the Supreme Head of the Universal Syriac Orthodox Church
The image was taken from Suboro TV as they broadcasted the service.
An image taken in Busan, in 2013 following the elections to the Central when I was first elected - the image is with two of the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch's Archbishops - H.E. Matta Roham, and H.E. Mor Corilous Gevergeese
Theodora Issa next to Our Lady's Church in Ibleij - Lebanon - April 2019 (following the PCCC meeting and prior to leaving Lebanon back home).
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