The Contribution of the Orthodox Church to Interreligious Dialogue

Abstract Marking 60 years since Nostra aetate , this article reflects on the Orthodox Church’s ongoing contribution to interreligious dialogue. For Orthodoxy, such engagement has long been integral to its witness in the world, particularly in times of spiritual crisis, secular ideologies, and rising fanaticism. These challenges not only undermine peaceful coexistence but also erode respect for human dignity and human rights within increasingly pluralistic societies. Faced with similar struggles in its own life, nationalism, discrimination, and violence, the Orthodox Church emphasizes that dialogue cannot be reduced to abstract theories or propositions. Rather, it must be embodied as a living testimony of freedom in Christ, expressed through preaching, theology, worship, and pastoral practice. This vision was affirmed at the First Pre‐Conciliar Pan‐Orthodox Conference (Chambésy, 1976), which highlighted the church’s vocation to eliminate fanaticism, foster reconciliation, and advance freedom and peace in service of humanity.