The 14th International Conference on Origen Studies: Colloquium Origenianum Quartum Decimum, will take place at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts on 10-14 August 2026. The focus of the conference will be “Origen and the Development of Christian Thought.”
Origen of Alexandria played a crucial role in the development of Christian thought. It is possible to distinguish two
aspects of his role. On the one hand, many early Christian doctrines achieved definitive formulation in the writings of
Origen. On the other hand, his teaching was the point of departure for further development. For example, many early
intuitions about biblical interpretation acquired a coherent theory in Origen’s writings; it is also possible to understand
later theological controversies as struggles between competing versions of, or reactions against, Origen’s theology.
Therefore, the Colloquium Origenianum Quartum Decimum welcomes two categories of papers: those that examine
the reception of earlier Christian thought in Origen, and those that study the influence of Origen on later Christian
thought. Consequently, the Conference will not have a specific theme, but rather a general perspective, namely, the
place of Origen in the dynamic processes involved in the formation of Christian thought.
The programme will include plenary lectures (by invitation), communications, workshops specifically designed to
follow diverse aspects of the development of Christian thought, and perhaps quaestiones disputatae. In the next
circular, the organizing committee will suggest themes for workshops. Your suggestions are also most welcome.
Papers—restricted to one per person—may be presented in one of the following languages: English, French, Italian,
German and Spanish. Younger scholars are especially encouraged to participate in the conference.
The deadline for submission of workshops and communications abstracts will be 31 January 2026.
We encourage you to forward this circular to all potential attendees. More information about practical matters will
follow in the next circular. Questions and suggestions can be directed to: origenianaXIV@gmail.com.