National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, May 16, 2024
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the first lecture in the series of international "John Zizioulas Lectures," established by the Department of Theology, was held with great success in the Audiovisual Media Room of the Faculty of Theology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (E.K.P.A.). The lecture was delivered by Mr. Thomas Graumann, Professor of Ancient Christian History and Patristic Studies at the Faculty of Divinity of the University of Cambridge and Director of Theology Studies at Homerton College, on the topic: "The Authority of Church Fathers in Late Antique Theological Debates."
In the spirit of the work of the greatest Orthodox theologian of our time, Mr. Graumann discussed the historical processes and the evolution of the concept of "Church Fathers" that crystallized after 325 and became binding for the formulation of faith after 451. He presented a critical approach and discussion (e.g., verification of the authenticity of texts, their relevance, etc.) that early church theology employed to clarify the general term "Church Fathers," which is often considered in our days as a uniform, closed, and timeless entity.
The event was officially opened by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph of Proikonnesos, who read a Patriarchal letter of blessing from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Greetings were also delivered by the Vice-Rector of Research, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning of E.K.P.A. and Associate Professor of the Department of Theology, Mr. Christos Karagiannis.
Following the lecture, Associate Professor of Dogmatics of the Department of Theology, Mr. Stavros Yangazogloy, delivered a brief critical response, which was followed by an engaging discussion.
Department of Theology
