AHOS Participates in International Theological Symposia in Iași, Romania - Antiochian House of Studies

Under the auspices of His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, the Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS) was honored to participate in the 18th Studia Theologica Doctoralia Symposium and the 13th International Dumitru Stăniloae Symposium, held in Iași, Romania, in May 2026.

AHOS was represented institutionally by Very Rev. Michel Najim, President of the Antiochian House of Studies, and Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Fadi Rabbat, Academic Dean, both of whom contributed recorded presentations that were broadcast during the symposium sessions. The two presentations were delivered within the English-language session of the 13th International Dumitru Stăniloae Symposium, “Feminine Holiness and the Logos of the Church.” Very Rev. Michel Najim presented Incarnation and Eucharist: The Unity of Christ’s Body in the Theology of Saint John of Damascus, while Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Fadi Rabbat presented Blessed Among Women: The Feminine Holiness of the Theotokos as Icon of the Logos-Shaped Church, the latter resonating closely with the symposium’s Marian theme. Recordings of both presentations are available below.

The institution was further represented on site by Fr. Cosmin Sicoe, an AHOS doctoral student, who attended in person and presented “The Teaching of the Church about the Theotokos before the Third Ecumenical Council, with a Focus on St. Ephraim the Syrian’s Hymns on the Nativity of Christ” within the 18th Studia Theologica Doctoralia Symposium, the dedicated forum for doctoral researchers. His presentation examined the early patristic witness to the theology of the Theotokos and contributed to ongoing scholarly discussion of Marian theology in the pre-Ephesine tradition. Throughout the proceedings, he engaged in scholarly exchange with theologians, doctoral researchers, and clergy from a range of international academic institutions on behalf of AHOS and its students.

Through these contributions, AHOS took part in a week of theological reflection and ecclesial dialogue centered on the role of the Theotokos in Orthodox theology, spirituality, and ecclesial life. AHOS extends its sincere gratitude to the organizers, the Metropolis of Moldavia and Bucovina, and all participants for their gracious hospitality and their shared commitment to theological education and scholarly excellence.