Metropolitan Kallistos of Diokleia and Dr. Kyriaki FitzGerald Co-Keynote Inter-national Orthodox Women's Conference in London September 11-13, 2015
September 22, 2015
Under the auspices of Pope Tawadros II, Orthodox Women's Ministries sponsored its first Orthodox Women's Conference in London, Sept. 11-13, 2015. An Inter-Orthodox conference where both men and women were welcomed to attend, the conference's two main objectives were to establish a general understanding of the role of women from a historical, theological and practical perspective in today's world; as well as to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the call to holiness for men and women in the life of the Church.
"It is a joy and privilege to be offering this Inter-Orthodox event," stated conference organizer, Donna Marie Rizk, a 2008 Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology graduate, presently completing Ph.D. studies in Patristics from Kings College in London. "We welcomed men and women and encouraged all ages over eighteen to attend because it is vital that each member of the Church learns and supports the needs of the other, for the sake of "the building up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12), The conference was by the grace and work of God, a true witness of His work in the Church and great 'spiritual' success! Dozens of youth, lay people - men and women - of all ages attended - from different jurisdictions, and countries (7 different countries and 5 different jurisdictions to be exact!)", she added.
Metropolitan Kallistos spoke on "You are a Royal Priesthood: The Lay Christian as a Consecrated Person." Professor FitzGerald presented a lecture on "The Call to Holiness: The Role of the Laity in the Orthodox Church", other speakers and participants included, Fr. Thomas FitzGerald, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology from Holy Cross (and former Dean), Dr. Mariz Tadros, Specialist in Middle East Politics and Human Development, Emmanuel Gergis, Ph.D. (cand..), Founder of the St. Cyril Orthodox Society and College and Fr. Seraphim El-baramousy, Monk and Theologian from the Baramos Monastery in Egypt. Dr. FitzGerald was also invited to offer a second presentation on "The Ministry of Deaconesses, Yesterday and Today, For the Future."
The presentations will be made available in the near future under the auspices of Orthodox Women's Ministry in collaboration with Saint Catherine's Vision (saintcatherinesvision.org).Click HERE for more information on this great conference.