Symposium at The Theological School of Chalki

On Sunday, September 25, 2022 The Theological School of Chalki, in collaboration with the European Centre for Byzantine and Post – Byzantine Monuments (E.K.B.M.M.), held a Symposium under the title “Ποιμαίνειν ἐν κήποις, καὶ συλλέγειν κρίνα: Nature, countryside and gardens as sites of production and artistic inspiration of the Byzantines”. The Symposium was inaugurated by Bishop of Xanthoupoli, Paisios, who represented Ecumenical Patriarch, Vartholomaios and extended warm greetings on behalf of His Holiness. Greetings were also addressed by the Father Superior, Bishop of Aravissos, Kassianos, as well as by the President of the Administrative Board of E.K.B.M.M., Prof. Natalia Poulou who personally delivered the Proceedings volume of the Forum «Οικουμενικές Πρωτοβουλίες για την Προστασία Μνημείου και Φύσης»/“Ecumenical Initiative for the Protection of Environment and Culture”, co-organized, the year before, at The Theological School of Chalki by E.K.B.M.M., along with The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The Symposium was also attended by Bishop of Daphnusia, Smaragdos, representing His Eminence Bishop of Chalcedon Elder Emmanuel, Prof. G. Stephanopoulos, as well as members of the Administrative Board of E.K.B.M.M. and visitors. The participants received a guided tour through the School premises, and, most importantly, at its library of great historic significance, which is supported by E.K.B.M.M. through donations of equipment intended to further help its protection and security. Finally, the holly Archpriests, along with the President of E.K.B.M.M., proceeded to the symbolic planting of a locust tree in the gardens of the School.