On Friday, January 13, 2017, Archpriest John Behr, dean and professor of Patristics at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, will present his inaugural lecture as holder of the Metropolitan Kallistos Chair in Orthodox Theology at the Amsterdam Centre for Orthodox Theology (ACOT) in the Vrije Universiteit (VU). Father John’s lecture, titled, “The Paschal Gospel: Reading John in Early and Eastern Christianity,” will be posted on the Seminary’s website after it is presented.
Father John was appointed to the newly created Chair by the Executive Board of VU on September 1, 2016. He retains his position as Dean of St. Vladimir’s, but will visit ACOT a number of times each year to give instruction. This year he is beginning his teaching in Amsterdam on December 9, 2016, with a special public study of the Paschal Sermon by Melito of Sardis. In his new capacity, he also will have the opportunity to supervise doctoral students.
“It is a great honor to be installed as the Metropolitan Kallistos Chair in Orthodox Theology by the Vrije Universiteit, named after my beloved teacher,” said Fr. John, “and also now to have the opportunity to work for the theological formation of students in the Netherlands and to be able to take doctoral students from around the world.
“This honor will also enable a greater cooperation between St. Vladimir's Seminary and institutions of theological instruction in Europe,” he noted.
The schedule of inaugural festivities at ACOT includes:
- 10:00 a.m. Theology and Scripture: This dialogue will be between Father John Behr and his Dutch colleagues about his academic work. The public is invited to register to receive by email the texts that will be discussed, and to listen in.
- 1:30 p.m. Seminar on Orthodox Theological Education: Metropolitan Kallistos Ware of Diokleia is anticipated to be in attendance
- 3:45 p.m. Inaugural Lecture: Father John Behr presents, “The Paschal Gospel: Reading John in Early and Eastern Christianity.”
- 5:00 p.m. Congratulatory Reception
Those wishing to attend the events should register here.
Link to the Inaugural Lecture invitation here.
