The Institute for Peace Studies in Eastern Christianity (IPSEC) together with the Scientific Press (Cambridge, MA) are pleased to announce the publication of the volume titled, “The Phenomenon of Migration: Proceedings of Harvard Square Symposium” | Volume 2 | Year 2016, edited by Rev. Prof. Dr. Ioan-Gheorghe Rotaru, Denise E. Simion and Viorica Burcea. This volume contains scientific papers in arts and sciences presented at the second edition of the Harvard Square Symposium; a symposium organized by the Scientific Press together with IPSEC on August 23, 2016, in Cambridge, MA. The volume was released on September 29, 2016 at the Romanian Parliament in the context of the international conference, “Freedom of Religion and Conscience in the Context of National Security.” (more...)

“Migration is the world on the move. It is a search for a new meaning; a hope for survival or for better life. With each generation claiming the tangible and the intangible, humanity carries on its own sense of immortality. The migrant leaves everything behind either motivated by domestic menace, or seduced by the promises of the new world.” (The Editors)

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The first part reviews ancient Christian writings, rituals, religious laws, and contemporary writings, for the purpose of identifying the core teachings of the Orthodox Church on violence and peace. The second part explores themes such as ‘evil’ and ‘dualism’ for the purpose of comprehending heretical attitudes that emerged during times of war. Political subjects such as Just War and Nationalism are explored for the purpose of identifying instances when members of the Orthodox Church sanctioned defensive violence and bolstered xenophobia. The third part recommends peacemaking methods applicable to Orthodox Christian settings in light of the tripartite dimension of violence against God, self, and another human being.

“The law of freedom teaches the whole truth. Many read about it in a theoretical way, but few really understand it, and these only in the degree to which they practice the commandments. Do not seek the perfection of this law in human virtues, for it is not found perfect in them. Its perfection is hidden in the Cross of Christ. The law of freedom is studied by means of true knowledge, it is understood through the practices of the commandments, and is fulfilled through the mercy of Christ. When we are compelled by our conscience to accomplish all the commandments of God, then we shall understand that the law of the Lord is faultless. It is performed through our good actions, but cannot be perfected by men without God’s mercy.” (St. Mark the Ascetic On the Spiritual Law, 30-33.)

The Saint Andrew’s Biblical Theological Institute of Moscow, Russia, announces two international conferences. The first conference, “Theology of Suffering in Ecumenical Perspective,” will be held in Bose, Italy, during 26–29 October 2016. The second conference, “Theology of Nature: Divine Gift and Human Responsibility” will be held in Utrecht, the Netherlands, during 9–12 November 2016. Detailed information is available at www.standrews.ru

12,587 Syrian Refugees Admitted in FY 2016: 12,486 Muslims, 68 Christians, 24 Yazidis (CSNews.com)

Bosnia's Serb Republic holds controversial referendum (Radio Vatican)

War and Peace: Pope Francis Journeys to the Caucasus, a Christian-Muslim Crossroads (National Catholic Register)

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