A warm welcome!
Team f.l.t.r.: Wiedl, Uhryn,Németh, Moga, Heith-Stade
The Department of Theology and History of the Eastern Churches deals in research and teaching with:
- Orthodox Churches
- Eastern Catholic Churches
- Oriental Orthodox Churches
- Patrology
It inscribes itself in a continuous research tradition at the University of Vienna (Eastern Church Law at the Faculty of Law since 1867, Eastern Church Studies and Patristics at the Faculty of Catholic Theology since 1975).
Against the background of the strong presence of Eastern Churches in Austria (Orthodoxy in second place among churches and religious communities) and the importance of the location for ecumenism, the department forms an important European interface of teaching and research in the field of Eastern Church Studies.
With regard to European transformation and identity processes, the historical dimension of the subject is of particular importance.
Preview: Excursion to Romania
Outer facade of the Moldovița monastery church (16th century)
Fr., 23.05. – Sa., 31.05.2025
(about Ascencion) 9 days
97% of the Romanian population belong to a Christian denomination, the highest figure in Europe after the Vatican State (98.6%).
We would like to explore this phenomenon on an excursion (SS 2025) and in the compulsory preparatory seminar:
LV 010094 (WS 2024)
Discover Romania: denominational diversity, communist heritage and religious life today.
| WD | Date | Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thurs | 10.10.24 | 18.30 - 20.00 | Presence |
| Sat | 19.10.24 | 09.45 - 16.30 | Presence |
| Thurs | 21.11.24 | 18.00 - 21.00 | online |
| Thurs | 28.11.24 | 18.00 - 21.00 | online |
| Thurs | 12.12.24 | 18.00 - 21.00 | online |
| Thurs | 23.01.25 | 18.00 - 21.00 | online |
We will look at the history, culture and current diversity of denominations and practised religiosity in this country, which is so close and yet often very far away for many.
Binding pre-registration for the excursion is required by the end of October 2024 (stating the relevant faculty affiliation!)
Students of the Faculty of Catholic Theology will be given preferential consideration when registering, but we are also happy to receive applications from students of other faculties.
Total costs: approx. 1,400 euros (with faculty grant probably only approx. 700 euros)
This page will be continuously updated and will contain all the necessary information. We will also inform you about updates on the excursion via social media.
Contact: Mag. Daniela Wiedl +43 1 4277 - 30211 daniela.wiedl@univie.ac.at
Program for download.
(see also the two maps below, press the [ ] symbol in the frame at the top right)
Programm Points
Itinerary
Short Video with presentation of the department (german)
News from Eastern Church Studies and Orthodox Religious Education
New Publications
Thomas Németh is an author in the anthology "The 'Lviv Sobor' of 1946 and Its Aftermath. Towards Truth and Reconciliation", which has just been published in the series Eastern Christian Studies, vol. 34 (edited by Adam A.J. DeVille and Daniel Galadza) by Brill, Leiden/Boston, with the essay "Canoncial Considerations on the Legitimacy of the 'Lviv Sobor' of 1946" (co-author: Teodor Martynyuk).
Ioan Moga, Orthodoxe Selbst- und Fremdbilder. Identitätsdiskurse der rumänischen orthodoxen Theologie des 20. Jh. im Verhältnis zur Römisch-Katholischen Kirche (Orthodox Images of Self and Other. Discourses of Identity in 20th Century Romanian Orthodox Theology in Relation to the Roman Catholic Church). Religion and Transformation in Contemporary European Society. - Volume 18
David Heith-Stade
Byzantine prayer book in Swedish with prayers from the Greek and Slavic traditions. Translation and selection by Dr. David Heith-Stade.
