C O M M U N I Q U E
(June 30, 2018)
The 2018 Meeting of Georgian Theologians in Düsseldorfwas held with the aim of uniting Georgian Orthodox theologians (students and scholars) living abroad.
The meeting was attended by a part of Georgian students working and studying in different European countries: Alexi Mestumrishvili, Giorgi Sikharulidze, Giorgi Geguchadze, Grigol Tchezhia, Erekle Turqadze, Mirian Gamrekelashvili, Zura Jashi, Hipodeacon Giorgi Lomidze, Hieromonk Leonide Ebralidze and Hierodeacon Irakli Jinjolava.
Other students also wanted to participate, but, unfortunately, they could not take part. The meeting was held in Düsseldorf upon the invitation of the Georgian Orthodox Parish of the City Düsseldorf and its rector Archimandrite Ise Gelashvili and was organized by Hierodeacon Irakli Jinjolava. It is noteworthy that there have not been such a big number of Georgian students of theology in Europe and moreover, their meeting did not take place before. It seems that St. Patriarch Ambrosi Khellaia’s prophetic words did not disappear without a trace, when he said about St. Grigol Peradze, who was student at that time: „Peradze is a first Georgian who intends to go to Germany, afterwards others will follow him.”
The students gathered together, with their aims to better interconnect with each other in prayer, faith and friendship.Morning began with the Divine Liturgy. Participation in the Holy Eucharist testified their Christian unity in the Church. Participants jointly prayed for the Orthodox Church of Georgia and for each other. Also, “the Liturgy after the Liturgy” was held, a joint meal after a service, Agape, which have testified their faith and love to the local community. After a joint Agape, participants talked about interesting issues, including the modern challenges facing theology. On the 2018 Meeting of georgian theologians in düsseldorf it was noted that it is desirable to create a joint electronic database where academic and educational material will be placed and exchanged. They talked about the need for academic conferences and symposia necessary for academic formation. It emphasized the importance of publishing academic articles as an integral part of academic activity.
In this connection, was expressed a wish to establish and publish a theological journal. Participants of the Meeting shared their experiences on the issues important for them: about the situation in various European theological schools; on the peculiarities of students’ life, problems, challenges and features of obstacles. They discussed the ways of introduction the best part of this experience into Georgian theological educational and academic system.
At the end of 2018 Meeting of georgian theologians in düsseldorf it was unanimously noted the joy and satisfaction of meeting with each other, to pray together, eating together and talking to each other. A wish was expressed, to hold such a meeting at least once a year.
