26Apr2025
Donate
logotype

Contacts

92 Bowery St., NY 10013

thepascal@mail.com

+1 800 123 456 789

Events
Home Events
banner L
ArtEventsIconography
April 10, 2025

Christian Iconography Conclave

Exploring the Confluence of Indigenous Aesthetics and Christian Visual Theology in India

April 27, 28, and 29 – Art Village, Karjat, Mumbai – Zoom Online

As it took root in different cultures, Christianity has always been incarnational in its artistic expressions to reflect the ethos of local traditions. Indian Christian art, shaped by a rich and diverse cultural heritage, has witnessed a unique synthesis of indigenous motifs, symbols, and styles with Christian iconography. This conclave explores how Christian visual traditions have been inclusive to the Indian cultural milieu, reflecting local artistic, theological, and spiritual sensibilities. By bringing together theologians, artists, scholars, and thinkers, this forum will examine how Christian iconography in India has evolved and how it continues to engage with contemporary expressions of faith and identity.

This conclave seeks to provide a platform for reflection and discussion on the significance of indigenous artistic traditions in the context of Christian visual representation. It will also explore the theological implications of this synthesis and how it contributes to a deeper engagement with faith, spirituality, and inculturation.

Goal Statement

To create a dynamic and inclusive platform that deepens the understanding of Indian Christian art by engaging artists, theologians, and scholars in a collaborative exploration of its historical, theological, and cultural dimensions. The conclave aims to inspire new creative expressions by integrating indigenous aesthetics with Christian themes, foster critical dialogue, encourage sustainable artistic ecosystems, and promote the documentation and dissemination of artworks and scholarly insights.

Vision Statement

We envision a vibrant future where Indian Christian art flourishes through authentic expressions rooted in indigenous traditions. This conference aspires to be a catalyst for spiritual and artistic renewal—bridging theology, art, and culture—by nurturing cross-disciplinary collaborations, celebrating traditional Indian art forms, and building sustainable frameworks that empower local artists. Through dialogue, scholarship, and publication, we aim to reimagine Christian iconography in India in a way that is both deeply contextual and globally relevant.

Speaker Profiles

  • ANNA VLADIMIROVNA ZDANOVICH
  • DR. JYOTI SAHI
  • LUCY D’SOUZA-KRONE
  • PROF. DR. H.C. GUDRUN LÖWNER
  • PROF. DR PAULACHAN KOCHAPPILLY, CMI
  • DR. SEBEESH JACOB, CMI
  • HIS GRACE GEEVARGHESE MAR COORILOS METROPOLITAN
  • DR. K. M. GEORGE
  • FR. ASWIN Z FERNANDIS
  • FR. RIJO GEEVARGHESE
  • EVAN WILSON
  • FR. DR. K. L. MATHEW VAIDYAN
  • SHERIN SUJITH VARGHESE
  • SUJITH VARGHESE GEORGE

Registrations:

In-person participation:

6,000 INR per day for a room on a sharing basis (food inclusive)

2,500 INR per day with lunch and dinner (for the ones who commutes daily to the venue)

Online participation: 1,000 INR per day for Online Zoom

The venue

Art Village, Karjat, Maharashtra

Art Village Karjat

By Dethri Editor
i (20)
October 14, 2024

Fr. Dr. V C Samuel Memorial International Seminar 2024

Fr. Dr. V C Samuel Memorial International Seminar 2024

Will bring together scholars, theologians, and practitioners to honor the legacy of Fr. Dr. V. C. Samuel and to engage in meaningful discussions on contemporary theological issues.
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Inauguration Session

An Indigenous Autonomous Indian Orthodox Church

This session will explore the theological, historical, and cultural aspects of the Indigenous Autonomous Indian Orthodox Church, emphasizing its unique identity and autonomy within the broader Orthodox Christian tradition. Distinguished speakers will examine the development of this Church, rooted in Indian culture and spirituality, while upholding the core tenets of Orthodox faith. The discussion will highlight the Church’s contributions to the global Orthodox community, its role in fostering ecumenical dialogue, and its efforts to remain relevant in today’s dynamic religious landscape.

Speaker

His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews iii Catholicos of the East Malankara Metropolitan

Speaker

His Grace Geevarghese Mar Coorilos Metropolitan, Diocese of Mumbai, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Speaker

His Eminence Bishop Kirill Metropolitan and Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, Russian Orthodox Church

Speaker

H.G. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos Metropolitan, Northeast American Diocese, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Speaker

Mr. E. J. Varghese Founder, Fr. V. C. Samuel Ecumenical Study Forum, Konni, Kerala.

Session : 01

Historical Machinations During The Chalcedonian Council Era

This session will delve into the complex historical and political dynamics surrounding the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, a pivotal event that significantly shaped Christian theological discourse and ecclesiastical divisions. Renowned scholars will analyze the intricate maneuvers of key religious and imperial figures during the council and how these machinations influenced the theological decisions made—particularly regarding Christology and the resulting schism with non-Chalcedonian churches.

Moderator

His Grace Dr. Yuhanon Mar Diascoros Metropolitan, Diocese of Kottayam, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Speaker

Rev. Fr. Dr. K. L. Mathew Vaidyan, Member, Working Committee, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Speaker

Mr. Sujith Varghese George CEO & Director, De'thri Foundation

History Enthusiasts

Mr. Albin Joy and Mr. Jeffry Thomas Insights into Local Contemporary Church History Research

Session : 02

Towards Regaining An Indigenous Autonomous Indian Orthodox Church

Experts will discuss the theological, social, and political factors that shaped the Church’s early autonomy and the challenges it faced during colonial and post-colonial periods. The dialogue will focus on contemporary movements within the Church to reclaim its indigenous identity while remaining faithful to Orthodox Christian doctrine and practice. The session will also examine the significance of this autonomy for ecumenical dialogue and its impact on local communities.

Moderator

His Grace Abraham Mar Stephanos Metropolitan, Diocese of UK, Europe and Africa, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Speaker

Rev. Fr. Dr. Timothy Thomas, Assistant Adjunct Professor St. John’s University, New York

Speaker

Mr. Thomas Varghese CEO, Kochi Biennale Foundation and Visiting Faculty, STOTS Nagpur

History Enthusiasts

Mr. Sujith Sam Abraham Insights into Local Contemporary Church History Research

Session : 03

Oriental Orthodox Christology, Dialogue, and Ecumenical Unity

This session will focus on the distinctive Christological perspectives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches and their role in fostering dialogue and ecumenical unity. Scholars will explore the theological nuances of Oriental Orthodox Christology, particularly in relation to the Council of Chalcedon, and how these differences have historically impacted Christian unity. Emphasizing the legacy of theologians like Fr. Dr. V. C. Samuel, the discussion will underscore the importance of theological clarity and mutual understanding in pursuing greater unity within the global Christian community.

Moderator

Fr. Ashwin Fernandes Secretary. Inter-Church Relation department, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Speaker

His Eminence Bishop Kirill Metropolitan and Rector, Moscow Theological Academy, Russian Orthodox Church

Speaker

Rev. Fr. Dr. K. L. Mathew Vaidyan, Member- Working Committee, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church

Speaker

Mr. Michel Ibrahim Faculty, St. Cyril's Coptic Orthodox Theological College, Sydney, Australia

Speaker

Mrs. Sherin Sujith Varghese COO & Director, De'thri Foundation

Session : 04

Wider Ecumenism

This session will explore the concept of wider ecumenism, focusing on fostering unity not only among traditional Christian denominations but also engaging in meaningful dialogue with other faith traditions. Experts will discuss the theological foundations of ecumenism, inspired by the works of figures like Fr. Dr. V. C. Samuel, who advocated for broader religious collaboration beyond intra-Christian relations.

MODERATOR

Fr. Dr. K. M. George
Principal Emeritus, Orthodox Theological Seminary in Kottayam, Professor Emeritus at the Bossey Ecumenical Institute, Geneva, Moderator WCC programme committee 1998-2006

Speaker

His Eminence Bishop Kirill Metropolitan, Rector of the Moscow Theological Academy, Russian Orthodox Church

Speaker

Mr. Josekutty Abraham Syriac Scholar, Hendo Academy

Speaker

Mrs. Anjali Dandekar Scientist, Research & Development, Zoetis

Speaker

Mr. Joe Alvares Historian, Musician and Historian, Musician & Cultural Music Ambassador ( Empaneled with ICCR, Ext Affairs Ministry ), Govt. of India.

Event Completed

Indian Participants

Gallary

International Participants

By dethri