The second major conference of the John Zizioulas Foundation
Berlin, 2026
The John Zizioulas Foundation announces an international conference to be held in Himmelsdorf, under the auspices of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Berlin and Germany. This gathering marks the second major conference of the Foundation, following the inaugural meeting held in Constantinople in November 2024.
Faithful to the wisdom received and attentive to the horizons opening before us, the conference will gather scholars from varied disciplines to reflect on the implications of John Zizioulas’s theological vision for philosophy, art, science, technology, and ecumenical relations. It is conceived as a space of listening and discernment, where tradition meets creative inquiry.
Alongside invited speakers, younger scholars and emerging voices will be welcomed through dedicated workshops, offering them an opportunity to contribute their own perspectives and to take part in a living conversation across generations.
The conference is generously sponsored by the John Zizioulas Foundation, Sebastian Press, Volos Academy, and the Fordham University Program for Orthodox Studies—a shared commitment to sustaining thoughtful dialogue at the crossroads of theology and contemporary life.
The conference is scheduled to commence on Thursday, October 15, in the evening, with a formal opening session. The program will include introductory remarks, a keynote lecture, and an initial working session.
Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, are designated as full working days.
Sunday is planned as a solemn liturgical gathering, featuring a pan-Orthodox concelebration as the ecclesial culmination of the conference.
Upon the conclusion of the Sunday program, participants will be free to depart.
