The Second John Zizioulas Lecture was successfully held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, organized by the Department of Theology of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at the School’s Audiovisual Media Hall.
This lecture series, inspired by the work of the late Metropolitan of Pergamon—an alumnus and doctorate holder of the Athens School of Theology—aims to foster dialogue between theology and the scientific and philosophical inquiries of the modern world.
The keynote speaker was Fr. Thomas Joseph White, Rector of the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Angelicum), who delivered a lecture on: Relational Ontology in Christian Theology: The Holy Trinity, Human Nature, and the Mystery of Christ – Reflections on the Work of Thomas Aquinas in the Context of Catholic-Orthodox Relations. The lecture was presented in English.
A message from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was read by his representative, Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, while the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece was officially represented by Protopresbyter Emmanuel Papamikroulis.
In his opening address, Professor Dimitrios Moschos, President of the Department of Theology, highlighted the significance of these lectures not only within the academic and educational framework but also as a crucial institution promoting dialogue—an essential element of the evangelical ethos and a fundamental aspect of theological and ecclesiastical work. He further emphasized how dialogue strengthens the role of the Theology Department within the public university, noting that the conversation between the Dominican Order and Orthodox theologians has continued uninterrupted for eight centuries.
Fr. Thomas Joseph White explored the concept of relationality within both Trinitarian theology and Christology, structuring his arguments through the lens of Thomas Aquinas' thought. He examined the convergences and divergences between Aquinas and John Zizioulas, particularly regarding their engagement with classical Greek philosophy—especially Aristotelian metaphysics.
According to Fr. White, Thomas Aquinas built upon and perfected Aristotelian philosophy, whereas Zizioulas consciously distanced himself from it, especially in defining personhood and freedom.
Following the keynote lecture, Fr. Isidoros Katsos, Associate Professor of Theological Epistemology and Philosophy, provided a scholarly response. In his critical assessment, he summarized the main points of the lecture and highlighted its significance for Catholic-Orthodox theological understanding.
He further explored the dialectic between theology and Aristotelian philosophy in Zizioulas’ thought, as well as the ontology of essential and hypostatic relations in Thomistic theology, arguing that the latter is difficult to reconcile with the Cappadocian distinction between essence and hypostatic properties within the Trinity.
A lively academic discussion ensued in English, with contributions from faculty members and students. The event was distinguished by its high academic quality, meeting rigorous international scholarly standards.
On Friday, March 14, 2025, the keynote speaker, accompanied by members of the Department of Theology, paid a formal visit to His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece.
During the meeting, commemorative gifts were exchanged, and the importance of theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics was reaffirmed. It was emphasized that fostering an atmosphere of love and mutual understanding is essential for bringing the two traditions closer together.
As a final affirmation of the event’s significance, both the Department of Theology and the keynote speaker expressed their commitment to further strengthening academic ties between Athens and Rome in the fields of theological research and inter-Christian dialogue.
