This Research Centre Really Makes a Difference

This is what Nelia Titova told us:

“I am a doctoral student at the Pontifical University John Paul II in Krakow and applied for a RESILIENCE fellowship to access literature for my comparative study of the concept of God in the teaching of Gregory Palamas and in the philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead.

Research at the Volos Academy for Theological Studies

The Volos Academy is a great place for research and provides excellent academic resources. Here I was able to use literature on the Greek theologian Gregory Palamas that was otherwise not accessible to me. In addition to studying the works and modern translations, participation in the Volos Academy Summer School was of particular value to my studies. In lectures on topics such as theosis (deification), I gained a deeper understanding of the concepts and the historical context.

The Encounters and the Spirit Make the Difference

The academic exchange with theologians, librarians and clergy as well as the networking were very enriching. The spirit of Greek Orthodoxy I felt was that of a family, mature and supportive. The academy has the spirit of the Platonic academy – the search for truth, openness to solving complex problems, tolerance for other points of view, concern for eternal, universal and ecological values, and acceptance of change for the common good. This research centre really makes a difference – it influences the minds of the people who interact with it.

Thanks for this Opportunity

My sincere thanks go to the Director of the Academy, Dr Pantelis Kalaitzidis, and Dr Nikolaos Asproulis, who have been very supportive in my research, and to all the friendly and competent staff of the Academy, and my special thanks to Metropolitan Ignatios.”

Watch Nelia Titova’s interview about her research at the Volos Academy for Theological Studies and the benefits of transnational access to books, lectures and academic exchange here:

Here a view of her encounters with colleagues during her research stay, in the library, at lectures and on a field trip:

[Visual: Nelia Titova amidst the scholars at Volos Academy for Theological Studies.]