Sts Sebastian & Mardarije Orthodox Institute VII

Sts. Sebastian & Mardarije Orthodox Institute VII

Honored Guest Speaker: Archbishop Demetrios

Archbishop Demetrios served as the Archbishop of America from 1999 to 2019. Born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1928, he graduated from the University of Athens School of Theology in 1950 and was ordained a deacon in 1960 and a priest in 1964. He earned a Ph.D. from Harvard in 1972 and a Th.D. from the University of Athens in 1977. Demetrios was elected bishop in 1967. He served as a professor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and as a visiting professor at Harvard Divinity School. Elected Archbishop of America in 1999, he focused on unity and ecclesiastical stability in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. He chaired the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas and the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States. In 2015, he was named Geron/Elder hierarch by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. A prolific writer and speaker, Archbishop Demetrios authored several books and received numerous honorary degrees.

The Institute of Sts Mardarije and Sebastian is designed to facilitate an exchange of views, experiences, and ideas between the fields of theology, science, and anthropology. The ultimate purpose of this exchange is to serve mankind within the Church as well as in the context of the sciences and culture.

This year’s Institute has brought us in Chicago in an effort to foster communication between the Bible and Tradition. Archbishop Demetrios possesses a unique talent for interweaving early patristic exegesis, drawing wisdom from luminaries such as St. John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, and Theodoritus of Cyrus. His insights promise to enrich our gathering, which will be attended by clergy and laymen alike, providing them with a profound biblical perspective.

We are planning to host this pan-Orthodox gathering in Chicago, at the Serbian Cathedral of the Holy Resurrection, conveniently located near the O’Hare International Airport. We will also recommend comfortable accommodations at a nearby hotel to ensure a pleasant stay for all participants.

Archbishop Demetrios’s presence and wisdom will be the cornerstone of this conference, offering invaluable insights to all who attend. Don‘t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the foremost biblical scholars of our time.

Our vision for this symposium is to create an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient symposia, fostering a warm and intellectually engaging environment. To kick off the event, a speaker will provide a brief overview of the key themes that have defined Archbishop Demetrios’ illustrious academic career. Following this introduction, we eagerly anticipate the Archbishop’s profound exploration of biblical texts, a subject to which he has devoted his life as a biblical professor.

For all information email: rbojovic@sebastianpress.org or call 1.224.388.2650

Monday, February 5
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration
6:00 pm – 6:50 pm Vespers
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm Welcome and Introductions
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Dinner & Welcome by the host
9:00 pm…………………Wine & Cheese Reception and Book Signing

Tuesday, February 6

8:00 am – 8:30 am Registration for New Arrivals
8:30 am – 10:00 am Divine Liturgy
10:00 pm – 10:45 am Continental Breakfast
10:45 pm – 11:30 am Archbishop Demetrios Lecture I:
………………………..The Creative Power of the Ministry (Diakonia) of the Word (Acts 6:2-5)
11:30 аm – 12:15 pm Discussion
12:15 pm – 12:30 pm Break
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Presentation
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:45 pm Break
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm Archbishop Demetrios Lecture II:
………………………..Contemporary Challenges Facing the Orthodox Church
5:45 pm – 6:30 pm Discussion
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm Vespers
7:30 pm – 8:20 pm Dinner
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Fellowship

Wednesday, February 7

8:30 am–9:15 am Orthros
9:30 am–10:20 am Continental Breakfast
10:30 am – 11:30 am Archbishop Demetrios Lecture III:
…………………………One Jesus—Four Gospels
11:30 pm – 12:00 pm Coffee Break
12:00 pm – 12:50 pm Discussion
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Lunch and Music Program
2:30pm – 3:30 pm Presentation of Certificates

* For the Q&A Sessions:
Please note that a 5-minute break will follow each presentation.
This interval is designated for the collection of written questions from attendees.

HOTEL INFO
Renaissance Chicago O‘Hare Suites Hotel
8500 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60631 • (773) 380-9600

Holiday Inn Chicago O‘Hare Area, an IHG Hotel
5615 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631 • (773) 693-5800

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago O‘Hare
8101 W Higgins Rd, Chicago, IL 60631 • (773) 867-0000