Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece

From the 18th to 20th of June 2025, the Anna Lindh Foundation held its international forum in Tirana, Albania, entitled: “From Knowledge to Action: Redefining Dialogue in the Euro Mediterranean Region”. The Forum was attended by hundreds of experts, representatives of organizations and institutions, as well as artists coming from more than 38 countries. At this major international meeting, the importance of which is being further emphasized by the tragic events that take place nowadays, the Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece was represented by its scientific associate Dr. Christos Nasios, who participated as a speaker on the panel entitled: “Exploring the Potential of Diverse Worldviews in Learning for Sustainability”. In his speech and the discussion that followed, he approached the issue through the three major monotheistic religions, highlighting in particular the Christian worldview and especially the Christian Orthodox perspective on it. The main points of the presentations and discussions will be published soon.
The Anna Lindh Foundation is the largest intergovernmental organization in the Euro-Mediterranean area, bringing together civil society actors, institutions, scientists and young people and creating networks that transform intercultural and interreligious dialogue into action that will empower individuals and communities to pursue cooperation and positive change across the region. #ALForum2025 #TheDialogueEffect.

On Friday, May 30th, 2025, the Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece at the Holy Monastery of Pendeli, welcomed with great joy a group of students from Southern Greece and Cyprus from the Hellenic Police Post-graduate Training School, accompanied by the Second Lieutenant Ms. Konstantina Droumbali.
The Director of the Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece and Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Pendeli, His Eminence Metropolitan of Thermopylae, Mr. Ioannis, delivered a welcome address. During the visit, the police officers had the opportunity to be guided through the Catholicon of the Holy Monastery of Pendeli and to be informed in detail about the work, actions and mission of the Interorthodox Centre by the Scientific Associates of the Centre. Particular emphasis was placed on the Centre’s contribution to promoting dialogue between the Orthodox Churches, strengthening ecclesiastical education and preserving cultural heritage.
During the visit, the Centre’s responsible for security matters, Mr. Spyros Bitzas, provided a briefing on security and protection issues in places of worship. This was followed by a fruitful exchange of views among the participants on the preservation of cultural elements, the security of sacred relics and the management of the special characteristics of these places.
The visit took place in a climate of mutual respect and cooperation, confirming the Interorthodox Centre’s ongoing pursuit of contributing to the strengthening of the relationship between Church and society, with an emphasis on cooperation with institutional bodies and the promotion of education and security.
The Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece expresses its warm thanks to the Hellenic Police Postgraduate Training School for its interest and participation, as well as to all those involved in the successful implementation of the visit.

The InterMu-Se project—Inter-religious Coalition Building Against Anti-Muslim Hatred and Anti-Semitism—recently held its second Interim Project Steering Committee Meeting in Paris, bringing together partners from across Europe. Hosted by Coexister at Les Arches Citoyennes, the two-day gathering offered space for reflection, shared learning, and coordinated planning as the project reaches its halfway point.
A key moment during the meeting was the presentation of findings from national research on intercultural and inter-religious cooperation. Partners shared insights from Ireland, Cyprus, France, Italy, and more, highlighting challenges faced by religious communities and the unique efforts underway to promote dialogue and mutual respect. These findings are being compiled into a transnational report, soon to be available in five languages, to support future community initiatives across Europe.
Another important focus was the development of a training programme for religious leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society. Designed to strengthen interfaith cooperation, the programme will address topics such as prejudice, effective communication, and inclusive leadership. A timeline has now been set for its launch on the project’s dedicated e-learning platform.
Looking ahead, InterMu-Se will begin forming local coalitions of faith-based and community actors. These coalitions will lead local actions, host events, and foster cooperation at the grassroots level. Partners are working to ensure these networks are inclusive, diverse, and impactful.
The project’s awareness campaign is also taking shape. With upcoming outreach materials, videos, and public events, the campaign aims to raise visibility and encourage more people to engage in interfaith dialogue and anti-discrimination efforts.
Finally, project coordination and reporting were reviewed to ensure smooth implementation and shared responsibility across all partner organizations.
The meeting concluded with the partners reaffirming their commitment to the project’s core mission: to build bridges between communities, dismantle prejudice, and promote peaceful coexistence. With concrete next steps and a collaborative spirit, InterMu-Se is well on track to deliver impactful and sustainable outcomes across Europe.

The session of the program entitled “Novel Research and Ethics: from Neuroscience to AI”, organized by the Faculty of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, within the framework of the European Academic Program CIVIS, took place on Thursday, December 12th, 2024, from 10:00 to 17:00, at the Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece. Under the responsibility of the Interorthodox Centre and at the request of the Faculty of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, a webinar took also place on December 7th entitled: “Theology, Neuroscience and Artificial Intelligence A.I.”, where University Professors, PhDs and Researchers developed issues related to the relationship between Theology and Artificial Intelligence, within the framework of the program.
This is a joint event with six other universities of the CIVIS alliance and five departments of the National University of Athens, which brings together students of all levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD), as well as lecturers, in an effort to disseminate knowledge on issues that are at the forefront of scientific research. In this case, the goal is to inform and raise awareness on key issues concerning the development of neuroscience and the use of Artificial Intelligence with a focus on health, ethics, science and religion.
The session was welcomed by His Eminence Metropolitan of Thermopylae, Mr. Ioannis, Director of the Interorthodox Centre, and then the participants had the opportunity to get to know the Holy Monastery of Pendeli and the premises of the Interorthodox Centre.
The Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece, as an educational organization, with rich scientific and multidimensional educational activity, is today one of the most hospitable venues for scientific conferences and workshops, of Greek and international organizations, with activity that is constantly expanding.

A great event on the theme: “Why words matter: an interreligious perspective to combating hate speech” was held at the European Parliament in Brussels on 19th of November 2024 and was hosted by Austrian Member of the European Parliament Mr. Lukas Mandl with the support of KAICIID and the European Council of Religious Leaders-ECRL. Ambassador Antonio de Almeida-Ribeiro, Deputy Secretary General of KAICIID, Ms. Antonella Sberna, Vice President of the European Parliament responsible for the implementation of Article 17 TFEU, Ms. Katharina von Schnurbein, Coordinator on combating Antisemitism and fostering Jewish life, European Commission gave speeches. Presentations were also made by Mr. Vincent Depaigne, Coordinator for the dialogue between the European Commission and churches, religious associations or communities as well as philosophical and non-confessional organizations, Rabbi Schlomo Hofmeister, Board member of the European Muslim-Jewish Leadership Council-MJCL, Ms. Amina Baghajati, Board Member of the Muslim-Jewish Leaders Majlis (EuLeMa) and member of the MJLC and Mr. Alexandre Guessel, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Antisemitic, Anti-Muslim and other forms of religious intolerance and hate crimes, Council of Europe. The meeting was coordinated by Ms. Teresa Albano, senior Program Manager, Europe Region Program, KAICIID. The Interorthodox Centre of the Church of Greece was represented by Mr. Sergios Voilas. Discussions took place concerning the importance of Article 17 dialogue between the #EU and #faith-based organizations. The meeting focused on matters of common concern and on creating opportunities for stronger collaboration with European institutions and faith-based organizations on issues such as countering hate speech, integrating refugees and migrants and building social cohesion.