International Ecumenical Conference on Orthodox Spirituality
The premier international gathering for ecumenical dialogue at the Bose Monastery
About Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference
A crossroads for dialogue between East and West
The International Ecumenical Conference on Orthodox Spirituality is the flagship event of the Bose Monastic Community, located in the municipality of Magnano, in the heart of Piedmont. Established in the early 1990s, it has become one of the most authoritative meeting points for different Christian denominations: every year in early September, the Serra hill welcomes scholars, bishops, monks, and faithful from across Europe and the Mediterranean for four days of study and mutual listening.
A different theme each year
The conference is structured as a true academic symposium, yet lived within the rhythm of monastic life. Each edition explores a specific theme of the Orthodox spiritual tradition: the great desert fathers, the masters of common life, prayer, mercy, and discernment. The days alternate between lectures by international specialists and moments of shared text reading: participants divide into small language groups (Italian, English, French, Greek, and Russian) to read and comment on the sources together under the guidance of moderators.
Why it matters
The Bose conference is promoted in collaboration with Orthodox Churches and enjoys the attention of the highest religious authorities: over the years, messages and greetings have been sent by Eastern patriarchs and the Holy See. For the Bose Community, founded by Enzo Bianchi and dedicated to the pursuit of Christian unity, this event represents the pinnacle of its ecumenical vocation.
An experience in the silence of the Serra
Participating in the conference means immersing oneself in the quiet of the Bose Monastery, nestled in the greenery of the Serra d'Ivrea morainic amphitheater. Between lectures and study sessions, participants share meals, liturgical offices, and the community's times of silence. It is an experience that combines the rigor of theological research with the depth of prayer in one of Piedmont's most evocative settings.
Who should attend
- Scholars and professors of theology, patristics, and the history of religions
- Monks, religious figures, and members of various Christian Churches
- Individuals interested in spirituality and ecumenical dialogue
Participation is open to anyone who wishes to attend, subject to registration with the monastery's guesthouse.
Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference — edition 2026
Abba Pachomius, at the origins of common life
The 32nd edition of the International Ecumenical Conference on Orthodox Spirituality, scheduled at the Bose Monastery from September 2 to 5, 2026, is dedicated to the figure of Saint Pachomius (c. 292-346/347), remembered by tradition as the 'father of koinonia', meaning 'communion'. Pachomius is closely linked to the origins of cenobitic monasticism, or the common life of monks: the conference will explore his historical figure, his writings, and his spiritual legacy for Christians of all traditions.
As every year, the meeting will alternate between lectures by international scholars and moments of shared text reading in small language groups. The conference is promoted by the Bose Community in collaboration with Orthodox Churches.
Programme Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference 2026
The theme of the 32nd edition is 'Abba Pachomius, at the origins of common life', dedicated to Saint Pachomius and the roots of cenobitic monasticism. The conference takes place over four days, from September 2 to 5, 2026, with the usual structure: lectures by international specialists in the morning and afternoon, a session dedicated to shared text reading in language groups (Italian, English, French, Greek, and Russian), and moments of common prayer with the monastic community.
The detailed program, including the list of speakers and the schedule of individual sessions, will be published on the official Bose Monastery website in the weeks leading up to the event.
Highlights Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference 2026
Edition dedicated to Saint Pachomius, 'father of koinonia' and the figure at the origin of common monastic life. Four days of international lectures, shared readings in five languages, and prayer in the setting of the Bose Monastery, on the Serra of Magnano.
Prices Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference 2026
Practical information — Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference
Getting there
The Bose Monastery is located at Via Bose 1, in the municipality of Magnano (BI), on the Serra morainic amphitheater. By car: from the A4/A5 motorway, take the Santhià or Ivrea exit, then follow signs for Magnano. By train: Santhià or Biella stations, from where you can continue by taxi or private transport (the monastery is not served by public transport).
Registration and accommodation
Participation requires registration with the monastery's guesthouse. It is possible to stay on-site for the duration of the conference; places are limited and booking well in advance is recommended. For information on fees, accommodation, and meals, please contact the guesthouse.
Contact
Bose Monastic Community — Via Bose 1, 13887 Magnano (BI). Official website: monasterodibose.it
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Where does it take place — Bose Orthodox Spirituality Conference
Monastero di Bose
Via Bose 1, 13887 Magnano