Conference Description
The Mystery of the Theotokos
Bachkovo Monastery, Bulgaria
September 4-8
The ninth international conference of ORIC will take place in Bachkovo Monastery, one of the most venerable and spiritually significant monastic centres in Eastern Europe. The conference will be held 4-8 September, during the liturgical celebration of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, and within a monastery dedicated to the Mother of God. The place and the time thus naturally invite theological reflection on the mystery of the Theotokos as lived, celebrated, and contemplated within the life of the Church.
The figure of the Theotokos stands at the very heart of Christian faith, at the intersection of Christology, anthropology, and eschatology. To explore her mystery is to deepen our understanding of the Incarnation, human freedom and sanctity, salvation, embodiment, and the ecclesial vocation of humanity.
The spiritual and historical setting of Bachkovo Monastery, with its strong Byzantine, Bulgarian, and Georgian heritage, offers a uniquely rich framework for theological dialogue. Alongside the academic programme, participants will be invited to take part in a pilgrimage to Old Plovdiv, traditionally associated with the apostolic mission of Apostle Hermas, as well as a visit to the Holy (True) Cross Mountain, a site of deep devotional significance.
The conference will include paper sessions, roundtable discussions, and ecumenical conversations, reflecting the interdisciplinary and interconfessional character of ORIC. Scholars and theologians from different Christian traditions are warmly invited to participate.
Call for Papers
We invite submissions that engage with the theme “The Mystery of the Theotokos” from theological, historical, liturgical, artistic, and spiritual perspectives. Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- The theological foundations and historical development of the title Theotokos
- The Theotokos in the patristic tradition, including (but not limited to):
- Ephrem the Syrian
- Athanasius of Alexandria
- Gregory the Theologian
- John Chrysostom
- Cyril of Alexandria
- The Theotokos in hymnography and liturgical tradition
- Iconography of the Mother of God and its theological meaning
- The Theotokos and Christian anthropology
- The Theotokos in Eastern and Western theological traditions
- Ecumenical perspectives on Marian doctrine and devotion
In addition to individual papers, the conference will feature roundtable discussions led by ORIC members, offering space for dialogue on contemporary theological questions related to Marian theology.
Given the ecumenical dimension of the conference, participants from different Christian denominations are especially welcome.
Further details regarding submission guidelines, deadlines, accommodation at the monastery, and the final programme will be announced shortly.
We look forward to welcoming you to Bachkovo Monastery for a time of prayer, study, dialogue, and shared reflection on the mystery of the Mother of God.