Chicago area celebrates "These Things We Believe In"

WESTCHESTER, IL (OCA-DOMW) - Over the years, the annual "Celebration of Books" sponsored by the Metropolis of Chicago at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church here has become a much anticipated lenten event for Chicago-area faithful.

This year’s celebration will be held March 11-18 at the church, located at 2501 South Wolf Road, Westchester, IL.

Thousands of Orthodox Christian books and resources will be available for purchase daily between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Three evening lectures on this year’s theme -- "These Things We Believe In" -- will be offered in conjunction with this year’s Celebration. The speakers represent Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, South Canaan, PA and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, Brookline, MA.

*** Sunday, March 11. 6:30 p.m. Vespers, 8:00 p.m. presentation by Dr. Christopher Veniamin.

A graduate of the School of Theology in the University of Thessalonica, Dr. Christopher Veniamin undertook doctoral studies at Pembroke College, Oxford, under the aegis of the Most Rev. Dr. Kallistos T. Ware, Metropolitan of Diokleia. He has been a resident faculty member of Saint Tikhon's Seminary since the Fall of 1994, teaching courses in Patristic Theology. In October 2005, he was promoted to the rank of full Professor of Patristics. Most recently, he edited and translated the homilies of Saint Gregory Palamas, for which he also wrote the introduction and detailed notes. Forthcoming publications include a reworked version of his doctoral dissertation and a study on Saint Augustine and the Patristic Tradition.

*** Tuesday, March 13. 6:30 p.m. Compline, 8:00 p.m. presentation by Dr. Demetrios Katos.

Dr. Demetrios Katos holds a Bachelors Degree from New York University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and a Masters of Arts degree and Ph.D. from the Catholic University of America. He serves as Dean of Hellenic College, Brookline, MA, and Associate Professor of Religious Studies. He is a lecturer in the Department of Theology at Boston College, where he teaches courses in Eastern Orthodox theology. He is a board member of the Stephen and Catherine Pappas Patristics Institute of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and has served as Vice-President of the Orthodox Theological Society in America. His book, "Palladius of Helenopolis: The Origenist Advocate" (Oxford University Press) is the first monograph devoted to the life, work, and thought of a little-known Christian bishop and author, Palladius of Helenopolis.

*** Thursday, March 15. 6:30 p.m. Compline, 8:00 p.m. presentation by Dr. Harry Boosalis.

A native of Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Harry received his doctoral degree in Greece under the direction of Prof. Georgios Mantzaridis. His dissertation provides a systematic presentation of the teaching of Saint Silouan of Mount Athos on Orthodox spiritual life, highlighting its relevance for today. A member of the faculty of Saint Tikhon’s Seminary since 1992, he is responsible for organizing, developing, and imlementing a new curriculum for the entire sequence of dogmatic courses in the Master of Divinity degree program. He serves the Seminary as the Chairman of the Department of Theology and Spirituality and is a member of the Academic Affairs Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, the Curriculum Committee and the Faculty Development Committee. Author of four books published by Saint Tikhon’s Seminary Press, he most recent work is titled "Holy Tradition: The Ecclesial Experience of the Life in Christ."

For additional information please call 708-562-2744.