Thursday, February 1, 2024
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The Centre for Patristics and Early Christianity is pleased to announce its first student conference, to be held on the campus of McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The theme of this one day conference is “Exploring Early Christianity” and is open to all students. This exciting event offers emerging scholars an opportunity to nurture community among like-minded individuals, present research in a friendly, collaborative environment, explore further opportunities for study, and network with experts and possible mentors in your area of research.

Plenary Session

Dr. Don Springer
Dr. Stanley E. Porter
Dr. John Issak
Dr. James Payton

 

 

Registration Is Now Open!

Registration Fee: $25.00. To attend, click the button below to register. Lunch is not included, but there are many restaurants available on campus and in the nearby Westdale Village.

REGISTER

Registration fee is not refundable after January 25, 2024. If you need to cancel your registration prior to this date, please contact us to arrange a refund.

  • Schedule
    Time Session
    8:30 AM Registration & Refreshments
    9:00 AM Welcome & Greetings from John Behr
    9:15 AM Plenary Session

    “What’s old is new: what’s classic may renew”

    New opportunities: Dr. Don Springer on the exciting potential of patristics study.

    New approaches: Dr. Stanley Porter on the methodologies of approaching ancient texts.

    New avenues of research: Dr. John Issak on emerging opportunities in Syriac patristics.

    New life for the Church: Dr. James Payton on the value of patristic study for the Church today.
    11:00 AM Parallel Session A: The Cappadocian Fathers

    Parallel Session B: Seeking Holy Wholeness
    12:30 PM Lunch Break
    2:00 PM Parallel Session C: Looking West

    Parallel Session D: Origen
    4:25 PM Special Interview: Finding an Academic Position
    4:45 PM Announcement of the Winning Paper & Concluding Remarks
  • Parallel Sessions

    Registrants will choose parallel presentations to attend throughout the day. Be sure to review the papers below and make a note of your preferred one. Details on each paper presentation, including abstract, are provided at the link below.

    View Parallel Sessions

     

  • Call for Papers

    Our call for papers is now closed and responses have been sent. We would like to thank each person who submitted a proposal for their interest.  We hope to see you at the conference.

  • Directions and Parking

    Getting to McMaster Divinity College

    We are located on the campus of McMaster University, just off the ON-403 highway. The McMaster Divinity College building is the second building on the left when entering via the Sterling Street entrance to campus. As parking options are limited and to reduce your carbon footprint, we recommend carpooling or making use of public transit where possible. Both GO buses and HSR transit drop off on campus often. If you do wish to park on campus, more information is below.

    McMaster Divinity College
    1280 Main St W
    Hamilton, ON  L8S 4K1

    Download a Campus Map

    Parking

    There are multiple parking options on campus, varying in availability and cost. You can find more information at parking.mcmaster.ca, including:

     

    Please note, parking in the McMaster Divinity College lot (A) is prohibited. If you require accessible parking, please contact divevent@mcmaster.ca.