St. Gregory of Datev: Public Lecture on June 1, 2009

Professor Sergio La Porta

May 15, 2009

A public lecture entitled, "Krikor Datevatsi: Scholastic Theologian or Spiritual Master?" will be co-sponsored by St. Nersess Armenian Seminary and the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 7:00PM. The lecture will be delivered by Professor Sergio La Porta in the G Hall of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, 630 Second Avenue, New York.

Dr La Porta is currently lecturer in Armenian and Religious Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He earned his PhD from Harvard University and wrote his thesis on the third volume of St. Gregory of Datev's famous compendium, theBook of Questions. Beginning this Fall, Dr. La Porta will become Associate Professor Armenian Studies and holder of the Haig and Isabel Berberian Chair in Armenian Studies at California State University of Fresno.

Gregory of Datev was one of the great theologians and intellectuals of Armenia's high medieval period. This year marks the 600th anniversary of his death. A prolific author, Gregory's most famous works are his encyclopedic Book of Questions, which puts forward the full scope of the Armenian Church's theology in a question and answer format that was typical of the approach of the Catholic missionaries who were active in Armenia at the time. Dr. La Porta will examine Datevatsi's theological approach, which is often written off as an unfortunate imitation of western scholastic methods.

Professor La Porta has written and lectured extensively on  medieval Armenian monastic culture. He served as Visiting Associate Professor of Armenian Patristics at St. Nersess Seminary in Spring 2007.

The lecture is free and open to the public. A wine and cheese reception will follow. For further information contact the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Center at (212) 686-0710 or St. Nersess Seminary at info@stnersess.edu or (914) 636-2003.