What sets 'Eastern' Christian apart from 'Western', historically and in today's contemporary settings? What lies behind Eastern iconographic and artistic traditions? Is there such a thing as a 'Byzantine' theology?
Such questions lie behind the study of Eastern Christianity, which is fostered at Leeds Trinity University College by a series of Seminars in Eastern Christian Studies. Drawing on the expertise of faculty members in our department, and bringing participants into dialogue with some of the leading scholars in the field from across Britain, the Eastern Christian Studies Seminar aims to promote scholarship in the theology, history, social and artistic developments in Eastern Christianity, through a series of lectures and discussions. It interprets ‘Eastern Christianity’ in broad terms, encompassing a wide geographical and chronological expanse, and particularly aims to set the study of Eastern Christianity in dialogue with Western Christian trends.
Public lectures and special talks
The Seminar operates a number of special evening lectures throughout the year, inviting some of the most eminent scholars in their fields from around the country to share their knowledge and drive active discussions at Leeds Trinity. All the lectures, talks and events are open to the public - both to Leeds Trinity students, as well as members of other academic institutions, local parishes, and members of the community and broader region.
Events are typically held on Tuesday evenings, starting with a glass of wine at 6.45pm, for a 7.15pm talk, followed by a period of discussion.
SPEAKER PROGRAMME – 2011-2012
6 December 2011
Dr Jonathan Wooding, Trinity St David, University of Wales
"'Egypt' and the 'Promised Land': Irish monastic voyages to Iceland in the early middle ages"
14 March 2012 (Wednesday)
Dr Hannah Hunt, Reader in Easter Christianity, Leeds Trinity University College (Reader's Inaugural)
"Spiritual direction: An Eastern desert practice for a modern world"
27 March 2012
Dr Scott Ashley, University of Newcastle
"Heaven on earth: Iceland experiences Byzantium"
Join our mailing list
If you would like to receive e-mail notices of forthcoming talks in our Eastern Christian Studies Seminar series, please send an e-mail message to dohps@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
Those interested in pursuing Eastern Christian studies at the postgraduate research level, or interested in offering a paper for this year or the future, are invited to contact Dr Hannah Hunt, Reader in Eastern Christian Studies (h.hunt@leedstrinity.ac.uk).
Click for details of Heaven and Earth, a series of public lectures dealing with issues in theology and religious studies in general also organised by Leeds Trinity.