The relationship of Orthodoxy with media and politics in Poland

Tomasz Tarasiuk, Translation: Anna Bondaruk

26/3/13

A seminar „Religion, media and politics in Poland – a minority perspective” took place in Suprasl between 8and 10 March 2013. The seminar was organized as a part of European Forum of Media, Religion and Democracy and was devoted to the Orthodox presence in mass media.

The meeting was organized by Oikonomos and Orthodox Intitiative OrthNet with the assistance of Suprasl Academy. The seminar began with a lecture by Father Henryk Paprocki. It is a part of a cycle of lectures called The Forum of Theological Thought. The lecture was devoted to St Paul Florenski, his biography and theological and scientific heritage.

The second day started with a liturgy in church of St John Theologian. Subsequently, the participants of the meeting listened to a series of lectures by Fr. Doctor Jerzy Tofiluk (PSD, ChAT), professor Andrzej Sadowski (UwB), Fr. Doctor Andrzej Kuźma (PSD, ChAt), Fr. Doctor Henryk Paprocki (PSD, TVP), Doctor Nicolas Kazarian (Institute of St Sergey in Paris). Tomasz Tarasiuk (Cerkiew.pl). Moreover, renowned Orthodox activists (Eugeniusz Czykwin, Marek Masalski and Slawomir Nazaruk) participated in discussion. Each lecture was followed by a discussion with representatives of media industry and educational institutions, politicians and priests.

The focus of lectures was on Orthodox presence in Polish media, how Orthodox minority sees the present situation, what are the main challenges that Orthodox believers and church are facing now with regard to their relationship with media and politics.

The rising popularity of the Internet, its relationship with the Orthodox church, challenges, opportunities as well as dangers connected with this medium were discussed. As it was concluded, all other kinds of media are now linked with the internet. Everyone agreed that the coexistence and cooperation of all Orthodox media is vital. All Orthodox editorial teams should make an effort to cooperate. Thanks to the seminar the participants learned about historical grounding of the topic and the present situaton, most importantly, it was a great opportunity to discuss the future.

The last day of the seminar was a workshop of editorial team of Cerkiew.pl. Mr Aleksander Wasyluk from OrthNet fellowship presided led the meeting. We can now tell our readers that in near future cerkiew.pl will present a new logo.

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