Before the concerts of A TIME FOR LIFE, in a special introductory presentation that will assume the form of an ecological meditation, Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis will explore a sacred vision of the earth.
Through images and word, he will reflect on the relationship of spirituality to ecology, emphasizing the role of icons, liturgy and self-sacrifice through asceticism.
By providing a spiritual perspective on the sacredness and beauty of the natural environment, he proposes that heaven and earth interpenetrate, restoring communion between God and the natural world.
In icons and in liturgy, God becomes incarnate, while matter becomes a vehicle of the Spirit.
More about Dr. Chryssavgis:
The Dr. Rev. John Chryssavgis
Theological Advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch
on Environmental Issues
The Rev. Dr. John Chryssavgis was born in Australia (1958), where he matriculated from the Scots College (1975). He received his degree in Theology from the University of Athens (1980) and a diploma in Byzantine Music from the Greek Conservatory of Music (1979), and was awarded a research scholarship to St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary (1982). He completed his doctoral studies in Patristics at the University of Oxford (1983). After several months in silent retreat on Mt Athos, he served as Personal Assistant to the Greek Orthodox Primate in Australia (1984-94) and was co-founder of St Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney (1985), where he was Sub-Dean and taught Patristics and Church History (1986-95). He was also Lecturer in the Divinity School (1986-90) and the School of Studies in Religion (1990-95) at the University of Sydney. In 1995, he moved to Boston, where he was appointed Professor of Theology at Holy Cross School of Theology and directed the Religious Studies Program at Hellenic College until 2002. He established the Environment Office at the same School in 2001. He has also taught as professor of Patristics at Balamand University in Lebanon.
He currently serves as theological advisor to the Ecumenical Patriarch on environmental issues.
The author of several books and numerous articles on the Church Fathers and Orthodox Spirituality, Fr. John’s most recent publications include Soul Mending: The Art of Spiritual Direction (Holy Cross Press, 2000), In the Heart of the Desert: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers (World Wisdom Books, 2002), Letters from the Desert: A Selection from Barsanuphius and John (St. Vladimir’s Press, 2003), and Light Through Darkness: the Orthodox tradition (Orbis Books, 2004).
Married to Sophie, Fr. John has two boys—Alexander (19 yrs, a sophomore at the Catholic University of America) and Julian (17 yrs, a high school senior).
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