The Shape of the Sacred: Eastern Christianity and Architectural Modernity
Presented by Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University
Churches and other sacred buildings are expected to orient worshipers in relation to a transcendent cosmic reality while addressing ever-changing social conditions, urban development patterns, building technologies, and artistic forms. This three-day public international symposium explores the challenges of the dialogue between contemporary architecture and theological concepts of space. Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in association with Fordham University, the symposium will be the first of its kind in North America. It honors the recently built and consecrated Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, located at the World Trade Center and designed by Santiago Calatrava. The symposium includes a special event at Saint Nicholas Shrine featuring a welcome address by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and a keynote conversation.
May 30 - June 1, 2023
Fordham University (Lincoln Center Campus) / Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine
Free and open to the public
Outline of Events
Tuesday, May 30: Afternoon
Fordham University Lincoln Center | Lowenstein 12th Floor Lounge | 113 W 60th Street
4:00 PM Welcome
4:15 PM–6:30 PM Sacred Space
This session explores the evolving category of sacred space in relation to twenty-first century architectural culture and Christian theology.
Michael J. Crosbie (University of Hartford)
Archpriest Robert Arida (Holy Trinity Cathedral, Boston)
Cornelia Tsakiridou (Lasalle University)
Chair: Peter Bouteneff (St. Vladimir’s Seminary/Institute of Sacred Arts)
Wednesday, May 31: Morning/Afternoon
Fordham University Lincoln Center | Lowenstein 12th Floor Lounge | 113 W 60th Street
9:30 AM–12:00 PM The Sacred and the Avant-Garde
This session considers various ways modern architecture has sought to channel the experience of Christian liturgy.
Joseph Clarke (University of Toronto)
Anna Bokov (Cooper Union)
Inga Leonova (Architect)
Archpriest Alexis Vinogradov (Architect)
Chair: Sergei Chapnin (Artos Creative Arts Fellowship)
Lunch Break
1:15 PM–3:30 PM Byzantium | Manhattan
This session examines architectural and iconographic dialogues between traditional church design and modern urban environments.
Kyle Dugdale (Yale University)
Jaime Rall (St. Vladimir’s Seminary)
Bishop Joachim (Cotsonis) of Amissos (Hellenic College/Holy Cross)
Chair: Dn. Nicholas Denysenko (Valparaiso University)
Afternoon Break
Wednesday, May 31: Evening Special Event
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, 130 Liberty Street
5:30 PM Welcome
5:45 PM Opening Address: His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
6:00 PM–7:00 PM Keynote Conversation on Saint Nicholas with architecture critic Justin Davidson
7:30 PM Reception for conference speakers and attendees
Thalassa Restaurant, 179 Franklin Street
Thursday, June 1: Morning
Fordham University Lincoln Center | McNally Amphitheater (Gabelli School of Business) | 140 W 62nd Street
9:30 AM–12:15 PM Tradition Today and Tomorrow
This session considers how global church architecture can address contemporary challenges and reengage with tradition.
Jerzy Uścinowicz (Białystok University of Technology)
David Hotson (Architect)
Dn. Nicholas Denysenko (Valparaiso University)
Sergei Chapnin (Artos Creative Arts Fellowship)
Chair: Archpriest Geoffrey Ready (University of Toronto)