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Fourth Lecture in the Series 2025-2026
This lecture marks the special series commemorating 60 years of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel. Sanctity of Place – Sanctity of Space The Very Reverend Dr. Geoffrey Ready Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies at Trinity College within the University of Toronto Introduction: Dr. Gary Vachicouras 50 Years of Dialogue between Orthodox Christianity and Judaism 29 January 2026, 20:00 IST (13:00 EST; 19:00 CET) via ZOOM You are cordially invited to a special lecture following the 12th Academic Consultation between Judaism and Orthodox Christianity on Sanctity of Place – Sanctity of Space (Geneva, December 2025).
Dr. Gary Vachicouras, Convener, will highlight the significance of Orthodox Christian–Jewish dialogue since its inauguration by Metropolitan Damaskinos. The Third Academic Consultation in Athens (1993) was published by the Fraternity in Immanuel (https://www.etrfi.info/issue.php?i=26) edited by Malcolm Lowe in collaboration with Gary Vachicouras. Fr. Ready, a distinguished academic in the field of Biblical Studies and Liturgy, writes about his lecture: “The presentation explores the theme of sacred space through a close reading of Genesis 28:10-19 (Jacob's Ladder), employing a distinctive approach to Christian-Jewish textual engagement. Rather than placing a text from the Tanakh alongside a New Testament passage as respective "Jewish" and "Christian" sacred texts, this study positions the Genesis narrative as the core sacred text shared by both traditions. Jewish midrashic sources and Christian texts—including the New Testament (John 1:51), patristic writings, and Orthodox liturgical traditions—are then read as parallel commentary traditions, both offering midrashic extensions of the foundational Scriptural text. This methodological choice reflects the Orthodox Christian understanding that the texts known variously as Tanakh, Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament remain the foundational Scriptures, whilst the New Testament functions as authoritative commentary on what the apostles and early Church simply called ‘the Scriptures.’ Read more >> |
In Memoriam
Prof. Dr. Gabriel Barkay 1944-2026 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Prof. Dr. Gabriel Barkay z”l (June 22, 1944 – January 11, 2026), a beloved friend of and cherished teacher at the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel.
Prof. Barkay taught at Bar-Ilan University, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem University College, and the University of the Holy Land, reaching students and audiences worldwide. He co‑founded and directed the Temple Mount Sifting Project, which described him as “among the last of a generation of giants in biblical archaeology, whose immense knowledge illuminated and inspired countless people.” The Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology likewise mourned the loss of “another archaeology giant.” Prof. Barkay made one of the most significant discoveries in biblical archaeology: the Ketef Hinnom Scrolls—the Priestly Blessing Scrolls—dating to around 600 BCE and among the earliest known biblical texts. Two recent publications shed light on Prof. Barkay’s life: 2024, Robert Deutsch and Andre Lemaire (eds), Gabriel. Tell this Man the MEanoing of his Vision (Dan 8:16). Studies in Archaeology, Epigraphy, Iconography and the Biblical Word in Honor of Gabriel Barkay On the Occasion of his 80th Birthday (22 June 2024) (Archaeological Center Publications: Tel Aviv, Israel) 2024, Gabriel Barkay,באחת מעינייך. שיר השירים בעין ארכיולוגית-היסטורית (“Through Your Eyes Only.” Song of Songs through Archaeological-Historical Eyes); (Ariel 219). In this last work Prof. Barkay offers a legacy for an archaeological and historical reading of the Song of Songs, grounding the biblical text in the material culture of ancient Israel. Rather than treating the book only as poetry or allegory, Barkay explores how its imagery—gardens, perfumes, jewelry, royal processions, architectural details—reflects real objects, landscapes, and social customs of the biblical world. Read more >> Read David Parson's interview with Prof. Barkay: https://www.icej.org/blog/gabi-barkay-the-dean-of-biblical-archaeology/ ] |
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