St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary - Press Releases Press Release Eastern-Oriental Orthodox Symposium

St Vladimir's, St Nersess seminaries to co-host
Eastern-Oriental Orthodox Symposium April 1

St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York, and St Nersess Armenian Seminary in New Rochelle, New York, today announced that they will co-host an Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Symposium, Tuesday, April 1, 2003.

The symposium will begin at 10 a.m. in the Metropolitan Philip Saliba Auditorium on the campus of St Vladimir's Seminary, and conclude with Vespers at 5 p.m. in the Three Hierarchs Chapel.

This year's symposium topic is Jerusalem: Does it Divide or Unite?

"Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Christians have ancient histories linked with Jerusalem," says St Vladimir's Seminary professor Dr Peter Bouteneff, an organizer of this year's event. "How does our relationship with Jerusalem, yesterday and today, affect relationships between the churches? What is our role as Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians in America in supporting peace, welfare, and Christian witness in Jerusalem? These are the questions we hope to discuss, and maybe start to answer," Bouteneff adds.

The Morning session will highlight an historical background of the many issue surrounding Jerusalem, and present an overview. Guest lecturers include:

• Dr Roberta Ervine, Associate Professor of Armenian Studies, St Nersess Seminary
  
• Fr Alexander Rentel, Lecturer in Church History, St Vladimir's Seminary

The afternoon session will take a look at the contemporary situation that faces Jerusalem, and includes guest lectures:

• Serge Schmemann, Senior Correspondent, New York Times
  
• George Kiraz, Director, The Syriac Institute

The afternoon session will also feature a panel of distinguished guests, moderated by Dr Tarek Mitri, Director of Inter-Religious Relations, World Council of Churches. Panelists will include:

• H.E. Archbishop Cyril Mor Aphrem (Syrian Orthodox Church), Patriarchal Vicar for the Eastern U.S.
• V. Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, Ecumenical Officer, Orthodox Church in America
• Prof. Abraham Terian, St Nersess Armenian Seminary
• Mr Patrick Theros, Retired US Amabassador to Qatar

The Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Symposium is open to the public. Registration is $20 and includes lunch. For more information or to register, telephone St Vladimir's Seminary at 914-961-8313 ext. 342.

St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary is a graduate school of theology, whose primary purpose is the preparation of leaders--both clergy and lay--for service to the Orthodox Church and the world at large. The seminary offers a Master of Divinity; a Master of Arts in Christian Education, Liturgical Music, and General Theology; a Master of Theology; and a Doctor of Ministry degree.

The seminary is located at 575 Scarsdale Rd. in Crestwood, New York, between Central Park Avenue and the Bronx River Parkway. For directions to the campus, or for more information, visit our web site: www.svots.edu.