Theandria

Theandria

The Annunciation Abbey, Gradinari, Olt Romania
Bishopric of Râmnic
Ramnicu Valcea

Consisting of clergy, theologians, scientists, architects, jurists, sociologists, physicians, engineers and others interested in the encounter between science and faith, this group engages priests and intellectuals of the Romanian Orthodox Church to encourage dialogue with other confessions. Eight conferences per year invite remarkable specialists, from Romania and abroad to share talks and discussion. Twice-monthly weekend-long meetings culminate in the completion of a comprehensive sociological questionnaire to gauge the impact and perceptions of the dialogue between science and faith in Romania. Each year, the questionnaire is updated and adjusted to review the impact of efforts upon members and the general public. Dialogue topics include: the impact of the dialogue between science and religion on the secular world; historical and contemporary topics in scientific knowledge from an ethical point of view; organ transplantation; social ethics and moral destiny; theology and theories of knowledge; quantum physics and reality; and ethics and economics. To facilitate outreach, the group hosts a website, produces the Theandria review journal three times per year for dissemination to institutions of higher learning throughout the country and beyond, and pursues the broadcasting of discussions on local and regional television. A core outreach aim of Theandria is the creation of new dialogue groups in other dioceses in Romania. Matching funds are provided by the Annunciation Abbey, Gradinari, Olt Romania.