Thessaloniki has emerged as the hub of theological dialogue and interdisciplinary discussions on contemporary digital reality, marked by the official opening of the Second International Theological Conference on September 29th, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the journal “Theology.” The historic church “St. Demetrius” hosted 700 senior clergymen, scientists, politicians, and public figures, with five primates of local churches, including Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil, and delegates from autocephalous churches in attendance.
Alexandros Katsiaras, editor-in-chief of Theology magazine and secretary of the conference organizing committee, remarked in his opening speech: “Today, we witness a view of history and technology previously confined to philosophical books and libraries. This congress initiates a relevant interdisciplinary and theological dialogue. Its authority stems from the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, supported by autocephalous and semi-autonomous Orthodox churches and the Greek state, who address the fundamental philosophical question of digital technology’s ‘ontology’ in a machine-preferred world. We aim for a productive dialogue, with protocols, translated into English, reaching world leaders and religious figures in three months to deepen discussion on the complex, self-referential nature of digital technology.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew then highlighted the history of the journal “Theology,” noting its success in connecting faith with life without fear: “The aim of theology is to convey the Gospel’s message intact, using the cultural environment’s best communication means, signaling theology’s vitality.”
Greek Parliament President K. Thassoulas called the Church of Greece’s initiative crucial, demonstrating the Orthodox Church’s active involvement in contemporary issues and its potential to offer critical insights into intelligent electronic systems and their anthropological, social, and existential consequences. Archbishop Ieronymos emphasized the importance of the Church engaging in dialogue with technology and its ethical implications, noting that technology is not neutral but influences views on time, the body, others, and the world.
The conference continued at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
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