Welcome to the Orthodox Christian Religious Education Association (OCREA) 20 years anniversary conference “Minorities and Tradition – A Challenge in Religious Education“.
2–4 September 2026 in Joensuu, Finland
The conference is organized in a co-operation with the School of Theology and School of Applied Educational Sciences and Teacher Education of the University of Eastern Finland.
The venue takes place at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Yliopistokatu 4, Joensuu, Finland, and at the Valamo Monastery, Valamontie 42, Uusi-Valamo, Finland.
The topics addressed in the conference include for example increasing religious diversity in traditional Orthodox contexts in both minority and majority Orthodox countries (e.g. Austria, Germany, Finland, Greece and Romania). Globalisation, migration and pluralism are also challenging traditional assumptions about the common Orthodox identity of school pupils. How to share strong identity markers, such as a rich tradition, through education? Can the presence of a minority be made an opportunity rather than a challenge? What issues need to be considered from the perspective of educators and curricula?
OCREA was established at the Valamo Monastery (New Valaam), Finland on 31 July 2006. In 2026, it will celebrate its 20th anniversary by organising a commemorative conference on the above-mentioned theme.
Keynote lectures at the conference will be given by:
- H.G. Bishop Bishop of Synada, Adjunct Associate Professor Anthony Vrame (Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, USA)
- Professor Arniika Kuusisto (Helsinki University, Finland)
- Doctor Yauheniya Danilovich (University of Vienna)
Conference fee: Early bird 75€, paid upon registration before 1 June. Late bird 95€, paid upon registration after 1 June. The fee covers lunches and coffee breaks during the conference days, as well as the excursion to the monasteries.
Conference dinner: Price of the dinner (ca. 60 €) is paid upon registration.
Important dates
- 25 April 2026: Extented deadline for proposals
- 30 April 2026: Decision on acceptance of papers
- 1 May – 19 August 2026: Registration
- 2 – 4 September 2026: Conference (departures 5 September)
For details contact: Project Secretary Risto Aikonen, University of Eastern Finland, [email protected]
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