Welcome to the conference “Orthodox Christian Churches and War: Trajectories of Armed Conflicts and Religious Construction of Adversaries” (OCCW)
Joensuu, Finland 25-27 September 2025. (Excursion 28 September 2025)
The venue takes place at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), Yliopistokatu 4, Joensuu, Finland.
This conference will focus on the wars that have taken place in Europe and the arc of conflict from the 1990s onwards. The Orthodox Church, along with faith and religion, is often linked to the causes of wars, the conduct of warfare, conflict resolution, and the reconstruction of societies and communities. Despite the foundational Christian and theological principles of love and respect for one’s neighbor and the pursuit of peace, religion becomes politicized in times of war, and can emerge as a party to the conflict and an influencing factor.
The conference will address various questions related to the different phases of the conflict arc: What is the role and position of the Orthodox Church in the wars and conflicts that have occurred in Europe since the end of the Cold War? How has the Church been utilized as a tool of politics? In what ways has the Church supported individuals in coping with the aftermath of war and in fostering spiritual resilience? What potential role can the Church play in the prevention and resolution of conflicts?
Confirmed keynotes are prof. Catherine Wanner, dr. Harutyun Harutyunyan, dr. Tornike Metreveli, prof. Cyril Hovorun, and dr. Iryna Fenno.
The conference will be organized in cooperation of theology and military sciences, and we are expecting fruitful interdisciplinary discussions and meaningful sharing of ideas and networks. The host organization, University of Eastern Finland’s School of Theology, facilitates academic encounters between Western and Orthodox theologies.
Important dates
- 31 May 2025: Deadline for Call for Papers
- 15 June 2025: Decision on acceptance for presentation
- 15 June – 15 August 2025: Registration
- 25 -27 September Conference (no registration fee)
- 28 September Full Day Excursion (for extra fee ~50€)
Contact:
east.meets.west@uef.fi
(For more information about the conference, click the menu button in the top right corner)
Organising team: Heta Hurskainen (University of Eastern Finland), Pekka Metso (University of Eastern Finland), Talvikki Ahonen (Åbo Akademi), Jarkko Kosonen (University of Eastern Finland)
The conference is supported by Joensuu University Foundation, UEF Borders, Mobilities and Cultural Encounters (BOMOCULT) Research Community, ExpREES – Expertise in Russian and Eastern European Studies, and Karjalan teologinen seura (Karelian Theological Society).
