Call for Papers
Patmos 2025
ORIC Eighth International Theological Conference
The Glory of God in Creation
The Saint John Chrysostom Orthodox Research Institute (ORIC), in cooperation with The Light of Patmos Ecological Centre, is pleased to invite paper proposals for its Eighth International Theological Conference, to be held on the sacred island of Patmos from September 18–21, 2025.
Conference Theme
Set against the backdrop of the Cave of the Apocalypse, this year’s conference will explore the Glory of God in Creation, considering both the present creation and the new creation— “the new heaven and earth” (Rev. 21:1). Special attention will be given to the tension (if there is one) between divine glory in the current state of creation and the glory of the new creation in Christ.
The conference will also coincide with the seventh anniversary of the canonization of Saint Amphilochius of Patmos, a revered modern saint. In honor of this occasion, we will dedicate several sessions to the theme of humanity as a bearer of divine glory, exploring holiness as the path to participation in the new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). We particularly welcome papers on Saint Amphilochius and Saint Gabriella, a newly canonized monastic saint who was tonsured by him.
Additionally, as part of the conference’s cultural program, we plan to visit the island of Leros to venerate the grave of Saint Gabriella.
Submission Guidelines
- Please submit a 300-word abstract by May 1, 2025.
- ORIC members are not required to present a paper in order to participate; those who prefer can contribute through roundtable discussions.
- As always, there is no conference fee for ORIC members.
Conference Venue & Logistics
The conference will take place at Villa Patinos and The Light of Patmos Ecological Centre. The villa will serve as our primary meeting space for coffee breaks, meals, and roundtable discussions. It is located in Hora, the historic heart of the island, within close proximity to the Cave of the Apocalypse and the island’s main monasteries.
📍 Venue details: Villa Patinos
https://lightofpatmos.org/villa-suites/villa-patinos/
Lodging
There are a few options to suit different levels of comfort, adventure, and, of course, ascetic discipline. Choose wisely!
The Luxury Way – “The Kingdom of Comfort”
For those who believe that a theological conference on divine glory should come with a touch of earthly paradise, you can book an adjacent suite in the villa (Aletheia or Ourania). With a 15% discount, the price is €40.35 (Ourania Suite) or €44.60 (Aletheia Suite) per person (based on four people sharing a suite).
https://lightofpatmos.org/villa-suites/aletheia-suite/
https://lightofpatmos.org/villa-suites/ourania-suite/
The Golden Middle Way
If you prefer something in between luxurious indulgence and sleeping under the stars, the average accommodation rate on the island is around €40 for two people sharing a room. To ensure smooth coordination between group members, please get in touch with Emil (emarginean@gmail.com), our logistics guru, before booking—or at least let him know where you plan to stay.
The Ascetic Way – “Desert Fathers Mode” (a.k.a. Free!)
For the truly adventurous (or budget-conscious) souls, there are two free options:
- Bring a sleeping bag and stay in the villa’s public space for free—monastic simplicity at its finest.
- Embrace the full desert experience and camp in the ecological garden under the open sky (just let us know in advance so we can make arrangements). Bonus: the early Church Fathers would be proud!
There are also five monasteries on the island that might offer hospitality to individuals, but this option has not been explored yet—so if you feel particularly inspired, you’re welcome to investigate.
Travel Information
Patmos is accessible via multiple routes. Brother Emil, an experienced traveler, will assist participants in coordinating their journey. Please feel free to contact him (emarginean@gmail.com) for guidance on the most suitable travel options.
For travel information, please refer to:
🔗 https://lightofpatmos.org/location/find-us/
The conference schedule aligns with the Athen’s ferry, which:
- Arrives in Patmos early morning on Thursday, September 18
- Departs from Patmos late evening on Sunday, September 21
📌 Important: It is advisable to book flights soon, as prices tend to rise during the summer.
Liturgical & Cultural Program
The conference will take place during the Feast of Saint Amphilochius, celebrated at Evangelismos Monastery, which is located near our villa.
🔹 Liturgical Schedule
📌 September18 – Vespers at Evangelismos Monastery
📌 September19 – Divine Liturgy at Evangelismos Monastery (Feast of St. Amphilochius)
📌 September20 – Liturgy or Vespers at the Cave of the Apocalypse
📌 September21 – Service at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian
For those interested in the pilgrimage to Leros, please notify us in advance, as travel arrangements will need to be adjusted accordingly.
For those who are interested to know more on Saint Amphilochius, here is the paper about Saint Amphilochius by Ioanna Knight, our host on the island:
https://kirbylaingcentre.co.uk/love-the-trees-an-ecological-saint-for-our-time/
The two books about St. Amphilochius in English
https://orthodoxchristianproducts.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/elder-amphilochius-makris/
https://www.beautyfirstfilms.com/amphilochios
For inquiries and abstract submissions, please contact: connect@orthodoxresearchgroup.com