Flyer 20Oec 20Semester 20Neu.pdf

The Ecumenical Research Center Sibiu (Centrul de Cercetare Ecumenică Sibiu, CCES) and the Institute for Ecumenical Research Hermannstadt (Institut für Ökumenische Forschung Hermannstadt, IÖFH) are organizing events around three main themes: Orthodox Christianity, Evangelical-Lutheran Diaspora in Romania, and Multiconfessionalism in Transylvania. These include topics such as Orthodox spirituality, liturgy, iconography, monastic life, the history of the Evangelical Church A.B. in Romania, specific traditions in Transylvania, church history under communism, and newer Protestant churches like Baptists and Pentecostals.

The project is supported by the Ecumenical Semester Hermannstadt, which targets theology students planning an exchange semester and clergy taking study leave as guest participants. The program offers lectures, seminars, practical insights into church life, cultural tours, and excursions to monasteries and church fortresses. Teaching staff includes professors from both Orthodox and Evangelical theological faculties in Hermannstadt, along with guest professors from Romania and abroad.

Participants do not pay tuition fees if covered by partnership agreements like Erasmus; others contribute 300 euros. Stipends are available for German students through the Deutsches Nationalkomitee des Lutherischen Weltbundes (DNK-LWB) and Brot für die Welt, with additional stipends for international Lutheran World Federation members.

The program awards ECTS points, allowing participants to earn up to 30 points and receive a certificate. Accommodation options include limited spots in an Evangelical student dormitory, university or church-provided housing, or private rentals ranging from 50 to 150 euros. Hermannstadt offers a vibrant cultural scene, with further details available via email or phone.

The initiative highlights the unique confessional diversity of Transylvania since the Tolerance Edict of Turda in 1568, which recognized four "acknowledged" and one "tolerated" confession, including Unitarians. This historical context provides fertile ground for dialogue between Reformation churches and Orthodoxy, enriched by a shared geographical space and history. The cultural heritage includes valuable Orthodox monasteries and Evangelical church fortresses.