Religious Freedom Symposium

God Created Us to Live in Harmony

(Romans 12:16)

A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SYMPOSIUM

March 22, 2025 | 8am – 1pm

University of South Carolina

Pastides Alumni Center
900 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201

For questions, please contact:
Symposium322@gmail.com

Inspired by the vision of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to unify mankind, the mission of the symposium is to look through the lens of the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant faith teachings to better understand how our loving God has protected His flock and the issues facing Christians today

Schedule of Events
Saturday March 22, 2025

8:00am - 9:00amCheck-in
9:00am - 9:15amWelcome
The Honorable Nick A. Theodore, Archon and Honorary Chairman
Former Lieutenant Governor, State of South Carolina

Opening Prayer - His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

9:15am - 9:30amIntroduction of the Symposium - Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis,
Archon Megas Aktouarios and National Commander
9:30am - 9:50amFaith and Difference through the lens of Eastern Orthodoxy
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
9:50am - 10:00amQuestions for His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
with Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
10:00am - 10:20am
Faith and Difference through the lens of Protestantism
Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon
10:20am - 10:30amQuestions for Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon
with Archon Dr. Telly Papanikolaou
10:30am - 10:50amFaith and Difference through the lens of Roman Catholicism
His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre
10:50am - 11:00amQuestions for His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre
with Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
11:00am - 11:30amBreak
11:30am - 12:15pmConversation between His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America,
Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon and His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre
12:15pm - 12:45pmWrap up Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou and Dr. Telly Papanikolaou
12:45pm - 1:00pmFinal Comments:
Archons Terry Sarantou, MD, Drew Theodore, and Steve Trakas
1:00pmClosing prayer - His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre
Location: Pastides Alumni Center
University of South Carolina
900 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201

For more information, please contact:

Hilton Columbia Center

924 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: (803) 744-7800

Featured Speakers

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis) of America, born in 1967 in Bakirköy, Istanbul, is the eighth Archbishop of America, elected since the establishment of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in 1922. A distinguished theologian and church leader, he graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a degree in Pastoral and Social Theology and earned a Doctorate in Theology with the highest distinction. His scholarly contributions include significant research on Orthodoxy’s historical and theological frameworks, with expertise in interfaith dialogue and ecumenical relations.

Ordained as a Deacon in 1994, he began his ecclesiastical service as Codecographer and later Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He was elevated to Chief Secretary in 2005 and ordained a priest by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. His academic career includes serving as a visiting professor at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and as a professor of Symbolics and Inter-Orthodox Relations at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

In 2011, he was elected Metropolitan of Bursa and appointed Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery on Halki. Archbishop Elpidophoros has been actively involved in interfaith and ecumenical initiatives, serving on the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches and leading theological dialogues with the Lutheran World Federation. He also played a significant role in organizing Pan-Orthodox Synods.

On May 11, 2019, he was elected Archbishop of America by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. His enthronement took place on June 22, 2019, at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in New York City, marking the beginning of his leadership over the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

His Eminence Cardinal Christophe Pierre

Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
Holy See

Cardinal Christophe Louis Yves Georges Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio in the United States of America, was born on 30 January 1946 in Rennes, Ille et Vilaine, France. From a family rooted in Rennes and Saint-Malo for many generations, Christophe Pierre started school in Antsirabé, Madagascar, and completed his secondary studies at the College of Saint-Malo, spending one year at the French Lycée in Marrakech, Morocco. He entered the seminary of Saint-Yves de Rennes in 1963. His formation was interrupted by two years of military service in 1965 and 1966. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Rennes, in the cathedral of Saint-Malo, on 5 April 1970. He obtained a master’s degree in theology from the Catholic Institute of Paris and a doctorate in canon law in Rome. Although he was ordained in the diocese of Rennes, he was vicar in the parish of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Colombes, in the diocese of Nanterre, from 1970 to 1973.

Cardinal Christophe Louis Yves Georges Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio in the United States of America, was born on 30 January 1946 in Rennes, Ille et Vilaine, France. From a family rooted in Rennes and Saint-Malo for many generations, Christophe Pierre started school in Antsirabé, Madagascar, and completed his secondary studies at the College of Saint-Malo, spending one year at the French Lycée in Marrakech, Morocco. He entered the seminary of Saint-Yves de Rennes in 1963. His formation was interrupted by two years of military service in 1965 and 1966. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Rennes, in the cathedral of Saint-Malo, on 5 April 1970. He obtained a master’s degree in theology from the Catholic Institute of Paris and a doctorate in canon law in Rome. Although he was ordained in the diocese of Rennes, he was vicar in the parish of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Colombes, in the diocese of Nanterre, from 1970 to 1973

In 1999 he was transferred to Kampala in Uganda. In 2007 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio in Mexico and on 12 April 2016 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio in the United States of America. On 30 May 2016 he was honoured by the Mexican government with the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle by decree published in the Official Gazzette of the Federation (Mexico). Created and proclaimed Cardinal by Pope Francis in the consistory of 30 September 2023, of the Deaconry of San Benedetto fuori Porta San Paolo.

Reverend Dr. Mae Elise Cannon

Executive Director of Churches for Middle East Peace, Ordained Pastor in the
Evangelical Covenant Church

Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon is the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), an author, speaker, and advocate deeply committed to social justice and the well-being of the oppressed. At CMEP, she works to educate herself and others on the complex realities of the Middle East. Cannon holds two doctorates: one in American History with a focus on the American Protestant church in Israel and Palestine from the University of California, Davis, and another in Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Northern Theological Seminary. Her academic credentials also include an M.B.A. from North Park University, an M.A. in bioethics from Trinity International University, an M.Div. from North Park Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in History, Philosophy, and Social Studies of Science and Medicine from the University of Chicago.

An accomplished author, Cannon has written and edited numerous books, including *Beyond Hashtag Activism* (2020), *Evangelical Theologies of Liberation and Justice* (2019), and *Social Justice Handbook: Small Steps for a Better World* (2009). Her work has been featured in major publications such as *The New York Times*, *CNN*, and *Christianity Today*, and she has appeared on MSNBC and NPR. She is also the recipient of the 2024 North Park Theological Seminary Alumni Award, a testament to her contributions to the fields of advocacy and ministry.

Cannon is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) with extensive professional experience, including roles as Senior Director of Advocacy and Outreach for World Vision-US, executive pastor of Hillside Covenant Church in California, and Director of Development and Transformation at Willow Creek Community Church. She has also worked as a consultant to the Middle East on child advocacy issues for Compassion International.

Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D. | National Commander (1998–Present)

Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, an Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate since 1987 and National Commander since 1998, is a practicing radiologist and member of the Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College faculty in Philadelphia. He holds degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Duke University School of Medicine. In 2023, he was elevated to Archon Megas Aktouarios, recognizing his 25 years of service to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Dr. Limberakis has been a leading figure in advocating for religious freedom and human rights, notably through the Archons’ international conferences and collaborations with governments and organizations to combat religious oppression in Turkey.

Under Dr. Limberakis’ leadership, the Archons have initiated impactful religious freedom efforts, working with the U.S. government, the European Union, and international human rights groups. They have supported the Ecumenical Patriarchate in its fight against state-sponsored religious restrictions in Turkey and have worked to ensure the preservation of religious freedom for all minorities in the country. Additionally, Dr. Limberakis spearheaded the creation of eleven Archon Engagement Committees, enabling Archons to focus on key areas of service, from communications and education to legal and environmental issues.

Beyond his work with the Archons, Dr. Limberakis serves as the chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, dedicated to ensuring the financial independence of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He has received numerous awards, including the Athenagoras Human Rights Award and an honorary doctorate from Hellenic College. Dr. Limberakis is deeply involved in his community and academic institutions, holding leadership positions at Duke University Medical Center and other organizations. He is married to Dr. Maria A. Limberakis, and they have three children and four grandchildren.

Moderators

Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou

Professor International Studies Program Boston College
Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center
Member of the Global Academic Council
International Religious Freedom Secretariat

Dr. Elizabeth H. Prodromou is a Professor in the International Studies Program at Boston College and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. A member of the Global Academic Council of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat, she served as a diplomat on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and as a member of the U.S. Secretary of State’s Religion & Foreign Policy Working Group. Prodromou works with international organizations and institutions on diplomatic trainings on religious literacy, security, and human rights, and she also directs leadership training programs for faith-based institutions.

Her academic research concentrates on the intersection of geopolitics, religion, and human rights. Widely published in academic and policy journals, a member of editorial boards of leading journals in the field of religion and world affairs, Prodromou is an internationally recognized expert on global Orthodox Christianity and on the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean; she was a delegate consultant of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Holy and Great Council at Crete in 2016. She has offered expert testimony and briefings to policymaking bodies such as the US Helsinki Commission, the European Parliament, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. She is active in policy-practitioner work on the boards of University of Notre Dame Law School’s Religious Liberty Initiative, Religions for Peace, the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, Freedom of Religion or Belief Women’s Alliance, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Task Force on Modern Slavery. Prodromou has taught at The Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts University, Boston University, and Princeton University. She holds a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Dr. Aristotle “Telly” Papanikolaou

Professor of Theology and Archbishop Demetrios Chair in
Orthodox Theology and Culture
Co-founding Director, Orthodox Christian Studies Center
Fordham University

Aristotle Papanikolaou is a Professor of Theology and the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture. He is Co-founding Director of the Orthodox Christian Studies Center at Fordham University, and McDonald Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Emory University Center for the Study of Law and Religion. In 2012, he received the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in the Humanities, and in 2024, he was named the University of Chicago Divinity School Alum of the Year. Among his many publications, he is the author of The Mystical as Political: Democracy and Non-Radical Orthodoxy and co-editor, together with Elizabeth Prodromou, of Thinking through Faith: New Perspectives from Orthodox Christian Scholars. He was born/raised in Chicago, Illinois, and he enjoys Russian literature, Byzantine and Greek music.

A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM SYMPOSIUM

March 22, 2025 | 8am - 1pm

University of South Carolina

Pastides Alumni Center
900 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201