WCC NEWS: Theological conference in Thessaloniki explores social ethos of the Orthodox Church

A theological and educational conference entitled “For the Life of the World” took place on 6–7 November in Thessaloniki, bringing together more than 250 clergy, catechists, educators, and theology professors and students. Organized by the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki and hosted at the St Gregory Palamas Educational and Cultural Foundation, the conference focused on the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s document, “For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church.” Prof. Dr Angeliki Ziaka, programme executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation at the World Council of Churches, speaks on a panel. Photo: Courtesy of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki 11 November 2026 The conference was distinguished by the presence and active engagement of His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki throughout its proceedings. In his concluding remarks, Metropolitan Philotheos emphasized the importance of bringing the document into the life and mission of the church, particularly through parish catechesis, pastoral ministry, theological education, and the church’s public witness. Drawing on the document, Prof. Dr Angeliki Ziaka, programme executive for Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation at the World Council of Churches (WCC), addressed ecumenical and interreligious relations alongside Prof. Stylianos Tsompanidis of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.  Ziaka highlighted practical examples of ecumenical and interreligious advocacy promoting dialogue, cooperation, and peaceful coexistence. She also presented RE-SPHERE (Shared Places for Heritage, Encounter, and Reconciliation in Europe), a research project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme and coordinated by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in which the WCC participates as a partner. The project explores the history of shared sacred sites across the Balkans and southeastern Europe, fostering interreligious dialogue, reconciliation, and social cohesion through the active engagement of local faith communities. The conference programme featured theological presentations addressing eight major themes of the document, alongside nine interactive workshops designed to translate its principles into practical approaches for education, catechesis, and pastoral ministry. The gathering concluded by reaffirming the enduring relevance of “For the Life of the World” as a theological and pastoral resource, encouraging the Orthodox church to engage constructively with contemporary challenges through dialogue, responsibility, solidarity, and a renewed commitment to the common good. Further information and full conference report See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland