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First Lecture in the Series 2025-2026
This lecture marks the opening of a special series commemorating 60 years of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel. Israel Between Temporal Realities: Reassessing Biblical Zionism in the Wake of the October 7 War Lecturer: Dr. André Villeneuve Date: 29 October 2025 - 8 pm IST VIA ZOOM Dr. André Villeneuve is a Catholic theologian, biblical scholar, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. He is a friend of the Ecumenical Fraternity since his student days in Jerusalem in early 2000.
Dr. Villeneuve received his Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2013, writing his dissertation on the topic of nuptial symbolism in the New Testament and in ancient Jewish writings. He also completed a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) at the Salesian Pontifical University (2014), and a Licentiate in Sacred Scripture (S.S.L.) with the Pontifical Biblical Commission in Rome (2019). In 2009, he spent a semester at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome as recipient of the Brenninkmeijer-Werhahn Fellowship offered by the Cardinal Bea Centre for Judaic Studies. He previously obtained an M.A. in Theology and Catechetics from Franciscan University of Steubenville (2005), a Mag. Art. in Jazz Saxophone from the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria (1998), and a B. Com. in Management Science from the University of Ottawa (1992). Read more >> |
In Loving Memory of
Dr. Stephen Pfann 1952-2025 Dr. Stephen Pfann was co-founder and President of the University of the Holy Land and a contributor to the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and esteemed colleague, Steve. While we take comfort in knowing he is now in the eternal care of the Heavenly Father, his absence leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him. A Life of Scholarship and Service Steve was more than a friend—he was an esteemed scholar, a man of integrity, and a seeker of truth. His dedication to the study and deciphering of ancient texts from Qumran and beyond was matched only by his generous service to the Christian and Jewish community in Jerusalem and afar. A Vision Fulfilled Together with Dr. Claire Pfann, his beloved spouse, Steve devoted his life to a remarkable vision: the establishment of a university in the Holy Land for Christians abroad. This lifelong mission has blossomed into a unique institution—a testament to their shared faith, perseverance, and love of learning. We are confident that under the continued leadership of Claire, alongside Steve Junior, this legacy will thrive and inspire many more. A Life Remembered Steve’s memory lives on in our minds and hearts—as a caring friend, a great scholar, and a man whose life was a blessing to all who crossed his path. We extend our prayers for Shalom, and blessings of healing and strength to his family— Claire, Steve Junior, Shoshi, and Michael—as the Fraternity we honor his life and give thanks for the time we were privileged to share with him. |
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