The seminary administration is pleased to share that Rev. Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, Ph.D., Professor of Canon Law and Russian Church History, and Seminarian John Kurr (3rd year B.Th. - undergraduate student - class of ‘26) attended the inaugural conference of the Orthodox Canon Law Society of North America (OCLSNA). The event took place on October 18–19, 2024, at the Maliotis Cultural Center on the campus of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Brookline, MA.

The conference featured 17 presentations by Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and other scholars, who shared their research on the various facets of canon law studies. Topics ranged from theoretical to very practical issues faced today. The broad definition of canon law employed by the society allowed for a multidisciplinary approach and great variety in the papers’ themes.

Fr. Patrick Viscuso, president of the Society, pointed out that the conference adopted a distinctive academic format that aimed to foster an inclusive and dynamic environment. Instead of inviting pre-arranged papers, presenters submitted abstracts that were chosen through a blind evaluation process. This ensured a broad representation of current research, preventing any sense of academic elitism and offering more equal opportunities for scholars at all stages of their careers. Each session was structured to encourage active participation, with 45-minute discussions following each set of three (3) twenty minute presentations.

By the end of the two-day conference, eighty participants had gathered to engage in fruitful discussions, enriching their understanding of Orthodox Canon Law while also building connections and friendships.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary remains deeply committed to contributing to the study of all aspects of Orthodox Christian theology and the education of both future clergy as well as the laity. Opportunities to participate in this type of academic dialogue are of great value to all who attend.

Protodeacon Andrei has been the vice-president of the OCLSNA since its founding. He has lent his expertise to the OCLSNA, and continues to play an integral role in its important mission.