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Coptics Studies: Past EventsSpring 2009Claremont Graduate University cordially invite you to a public lecture in two parts (1) The Role of Women in Developing Coptic Visual Culture by Dr. Nelly van Doorn-Harder Sunday, March 22, 2009 Mudd Theater, Claremont School of Theology Abstract of Part 1: Icons and depictions of formative events such as the Flight to Egypt are among the most recognizable aspects of Coptic visual culture. Each community within the Coptic Church has put its own imprint on various dynamic expressions of Coptic faith and piety. The lecture will highlight the specific role of women in the formation of Coptic visual culture. Abstract of Part 2: Throughout her monastic life, Mother Irini, the Superior of St. Mercurius (Abu Saifein) Abbey in Cairo, was legendary for her exemplary life of prayer and her visionary insights. It was not until after her death in 2006 that the scope and impact of her vision for Coptic spirituality and identity became apparent. The nuns of her abbey are executing her spiritual testament which offers a blueprint for the position of women within the Coptic Church. Dr. Nelly van Doorn-Harder held faculty positions in the Netherlands, Egypt, Indonesia, and the United States. Her research straddles issues concerning women and religion and those concerning minorities and human rights in Muslim countries. She has done her main fieldwork in the Middle East and Southeast Asia; specializing in Coptic Christianity of Egypt and Islam in Indonesia. She has authored numerous publications in these areas, including four books entitled: Contemporary Coptic Nuns; Between Desert and City, edited with Kari Vogt; Women Shaping Islam; and Coping with Evil in Religion and Culture, edited with Lourens Minnema. Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. S. Michael Saad, Chair, Council for Coptic Studies, Claremont Graduate University, e-mail: saad3@aol.com Fall 2008The School of Religion cordially invite you to a public lecture on Christian Unity from an Orthodox Perspective by H.G. Bishop Serapion Mudd Theater Wednesday, October 29, 2008 Christian unity is an important element in the confession of faith and liturgical life of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The lecture will present an Orthodox perspective on Christian unity and illustrate the Orthodoxendeavor to seek Christ’s desire that all of those who believe in Him may be one. The lecture will also reflect on the Coptic experience in the ecumenical movement, both in the well-established forums such as the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches of Christ, and in the newer forums such as the Christian Churches Together in the USA and the Global Christian Forum. Still, the question remains: What is the future of ecumenism? His Grace Bishop Serapion has been the Coptic Orthodox Bishop of Los Angeles since 1995. He is on the Governing Board of the National Council of Churches of Christ and the Steering Committee of Christian Churches Together in the USA. In 1985, he was ordained General Bishop for Ecumenical and Social Services. For many years he served on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches and the Life and Service Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches, and as Vice President of the All Africa Conference of Churches. Inquiries may be addressed to Dr. S. Michael Saad, Chair, Council for Coptic Studies, School of Religion, Claremont Graduate University, e-mail: saad3@aol.com |
