A visit by Chinese Academics to the NKUA’s School of Theology

by Professor Dimitrios Moschos, Chair of the NKUA’s Department of Theology

On Friday, 3 February 2023, Professor of Biblical Studies and Intercultural Theology at the Faculty of Philosophy and Religious Studies of the Minzu University of China, Beijing, China, Mr You Bin, and Assistant Professor of Daoism and Chinese Culture at the Faculty of Chinese Ethnic Languages and Literatures of the same University, Ms Jiao Yuqin, visited the NKUA’s School of Theology. The two academics are in Athens on a fellowship (on the recommendation of our Department of Theology). Participating at the meeting, which took place in the Room of Emeritus Professors of the School of Theology, were the Chair of the Department of Theology and organizer of the event, Professor Dimitrios Moschos, the Associate Professor of Dogmatics, Mr Stavros Yangazoglou with his Chinese PhD candidate, Mr Martin Ziran Guo, and the members of the laboratory teaching staff of the Department of Social Theology and the Study of Religion, Drs Evangelia Voulgaraki (Mission Studies) and Apostolos Michailidis (Hinduism and Eastern Religions).

During the meeting, the guests presented the production of research on religion, the many challenges it faces in a secular state like China, and the importance of the Minzu University of China as a training ground for state officials in the field of religion. They made a particular impression with their interest and learning in Orthodox theology—especially spirituality—and patristic thought, which they view as bridges to Chinese tradition and spirituality. Shortly afterwards, they took a guided tour of the School of Theology. There, the Chinese guests and the Dean, Mr Karagiannis, discussed the possibility of further cooperation. It is important to note that NKUA and the Minzu University of China have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The two Institutions are planning to collaborate at the level of their Schools and Departments, with the invitation of students to the Chinese University’s English-taught Postgraduate Programme serving as the first step.