From September 2 to 6, the 31st International Symposium on Orthodox Spirituality took place at the Monastic Community of Bose in Piedmont, Italy, focusing on St. Anthony the Great, the founder of monasticism and one of the most significant ascetics in Christian history.

Over several days, theologians, monastics, and clergy from various countries gathered to discuss the life of the saint, his historical context, spiritual legacy, and his enduring influence on both Eastern and Western Christianity. Special attention was given to the "Life of Anthony," composed by St. Athanasius the Great, along with the saint's letters and sayings, which continue to inspire monastic and church life today.

Participants included representatives from Local Orthodox Churches and theologians from Europe, the United States, Lebanon, Ethiopia, and other nations. The Russian Orthodox Church was represented by Bishop Peter of Kaffa, a vicar of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Western Europe.

According to reports from tvhram.rs, speakers presented a wide range of research topics, from analyzing the Egyptian context of the saint's life and the genre of apophthegmata to the perception of the "Life of Anthony" in literature and iconography. A key highlight of the symposium was the collaborative analysis of sources, including the letters and sayings of St. Anthony.

In his closing remarks, the abbot of the Bose community, Father Sabino Chiala, expressed gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that the joint presence of representatives from different traditions exemplified brotherly love and unity in Christ. He also announced the 32nd Symposium on Orthodox Spirituality, scheduled for September of next year.