International Orthodox spirituality conference at Bose focuses on St Pachomius

A new edition of the International Ecumenical Conference on Orthodox Spirituality is taking place at Bose Monastery in Italy from 8 to 11 September. This year’s conference is entitled Abba Pachomius: At the Origins of Community Life.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel sent a message to the conference on Wednesday, while Patriarch John X of Antioch is due to address participants on Friday.

“Monastic communities inspired by St Pachomius continue to bear witness today to the fact that the Gospel is the foundation of a way of life in which prayer, work, hospitality, forgiveness and mutual responsibility give rise to an authentic culture of communion,” Patriarch Daniel noted in his message.

“The legacy of St Pachomius teaches us that every ecclesial community — parish, monastery or family — finds its unity in Christ and is built up through prayer, obedience, service and sacrificial love, while those who serve God with faith live according to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures.”

Assistant Bishop Maxim of Danubius , of the Romanian Orthodox Diocese of Italy, represented Patriarch Daniel at the event.

From the programme Prior Sabino Chialà opened the conference on Tuesday,…