An international ecumenical conference on Orthodox spirituality is underway at the Bose Monastic Community in northern Italy, focusing this year on St. Pachomius the Great and his role in the development of communal monasticism.

The 32nd International Ecumenical Conference on Orthodox Spirituality is being held from September 8 to 12 under the theme “Abba Pachomius — At the Origins of Communal Life.” The gathering has brought together representatives of different Christian traditions, including members of the Orthodox Churches of Romania and Antioch.

St. Pachomius the Great lived in Egypt during the fourth century and is widely regarded as one of the founders of cenobitic, or communal, monasticism. Unlike hermits who largely lived in solitude, monks in the communities established by Pachomius prayed, worked and ate together while accepting responsibility for one another. This model subsequently had a profound influence on monastic traditions throughout the Christian world.

The legacy of Pachomius was highlighted by Patriarch Daniel of Romania in a message to conference participants. According to the Romanian Patriarchate’s Basilica news service, he said the saint’s teaching has particular relevance for contemporary society, where individualism, isolation and social fragmentation are increasingly widespread.

The unity of a Christian community, Patriarch Daniel said, is built through prayer, obedience, service and sacrificial love. In his view, the experience of Pachomian monasticism extends beyond monastery life: the principle of unity in Christ can be applied to every Christian community, from a parish to a family.

For this reason, the Romanian patriarch argued, the legacy of an Egyptian ascetic who lived nearly 1,700 years ago remains relevant to modern people seeking meaningful community and spiritual life.

Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East is also taking part in the conference during his visit to Italy. His address is scheduled for September 11. Earlier, the Antiochian patriarch visited the Bose monastery, where he celebrated Vespers and spoke about the longstanding ties between the Antiochian Church and the monastic community.

Bose is a Catholic monastic community founded in the 1960s by Italian monk Enzo Bianchi. Over the decades, it has become a prominent venue for dialogue among Christians of different traditions.

The International Conference on Orthodox Spirituality has been held at Bose for more than three decades, bringing together theologians, monastics and researchers from various countries. Presentations are delivered in Italian, English, French and Greek, with simultaneous interpretation provided for participants.

Last year’s conference focused on St. Anthony the Great, traditionally regarded as one of the founders of Christian eremitic, or solitary, monasticism. This year’s gathering continues that broader exploration of early Christian monasticism by turning to another fundamental model: life together in a spiritual community.