Windows to the East lecture series focuses on Eastern Christianity (03/05/00)

Windows to the East lecture series focuses on Eastern Christianity

SASKATOON - The seventh Windows to the East lecture series was convened on February 3-4 here at St. Thomas More College. This annual event draws an audience of over 200 persons for each of two nights in order to hear lectures pertinent to the Eastern Christian religious tradition and contemporary society.

This year's lecturers, Prof. A. Ugolnik and Marianna Savaryn, spoke under the general theme of "Eastern Christianity and Post-Modern Society." Prof. Ugolnik is the holder of the Elijah Kresge Chair of English at one of the oldest colleges in the United States - Franklin Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. He is a specialist both in the area of cultural values and symbolism, as well as Eastern Orthodox religious thought. Ms. Savaryn of Edmonton is a young and well-respected iconographer.

Both speakers ably argued that the religious tradition which that share and from which they speak brings much of value and of beauty to the Canadian cultural setting of the early 21st century. For both speakers, categories of "beauty" and "goodness" are often missing in our society and yet ardently longed for by so many people. These values are at the core of what they believe is part of the cultural inheritance of Eastern Christians, regardless of ethnic background.

This year's lecture series was also punctuated by a few innovations. Immediately following the talks on both evenings, first response was given to a panel of representatives of the local community and the university. Furthermore, both speakers were engaged in additional activities in order to enhance the community's opportunity to benefit from their presence in Saskatoon. Prof. Ugolnik presented a seminar to university faculty and graduate students on Thursday afternoon, whereas Ms. Savaryn gave presentations to groups at the Frances Morrison Public Library and teachers of the Saskatoon Catholic School Division earlier in the week.

The Windows to the East series is an important component of the work of the Prairie Center for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage.

"The Windows to the East lecture series focuses on spiritual values and traditions in a post-modern world," said Herb Gray, deputy prime minister and minister responsible for the Canadian government's millennium initiative. "The government of Canada is proud to support the millennium projects of the Prairie Center for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage, of which this lecture series is a part, with a partial contribution of $31,167 through the Canada Millennium Partnership Program."

For more information on the Prairie Center for the Study of Ukrainian Heritage project or on the Canadian government's millennium initiative, visit the Canada millennium website at www.millennium.gc.ca.

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