Archimandrite Augustin Coman, Patriarchal Adviser and Coordinator in the Department for Christian and Interreligious Relations, examined the challenges facing Eucharistic communion in the digital age during an international conference held in Hildesheim, Germany.
The conference took place from 15 to 18 October at the Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God and was organised by the John Zizioulas Foundation and the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Germany.
Theologians and researchers from several countries explored the continuing relevance of Metropolitan John Zizioulas’s theological thought, addressing subjects including ecclesial communion, personal freedom, human rights, artificial intelligence and responsibility for creation.
The Church can use digital tools
Archimandrite Augustin Coman represented the Romanian Orthodox Church at the conference, delivering a presentation entitled The Future and Prospects of Eucharistic Ecclesiology.
Drawing on Metropolitan John Zizioulas’s theological contributions, the archimandrite emphasised that the Eucharist is not merely an individual religious experience, but the fundamental expression of the Church’s identity as the Body of Christ.
“A livestreamed liturgy can transmit images and sounds, but I believe it cannot reproduce the sacramental encounter that takes place within the gathered community.”
The Romanian Patriarchate’s representative stressed that, “rather than rejecting technological innovation, the Church can use digital tools to strengthen pastoral relationships, expand theological education and maintain connections with communities”.
Dialogue between theology and contemporary challenges
In a message addressed to the participants, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I encouraged the creative development of Metropolitan John Zizioulas’s theological legacy and continued dialogue between theology and the challenges of the contemporary world.
The conference concluded with a plenary discussion on prospects for developing Metropolitan John Zizioulas’s theology and future directions for research.
The organisers announced their intention to publish the conference proceedings and continue their research through the academic journal OmegAlpha.
Participants also discussed the possibility of holding another conference in 2028 at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, with a stronger focus on the relationship between theology, art and liturgical life.
