JOINT PROJECT BETWEEN POCA AND HUFFINGTON ECUMENICAL INSTITUTE, HELLENIC COLLEGE, HOLY CROSS, USA.
Huffington Ecumenical Institute and Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals Announce Essay Competition on Christian Responsibility Toward Animals
Brookline, MA — The Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross, with support from the Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals (POCA), is pleased to announce a graduate-level essay competition on the theme:
“Advancing Christian Respect and Responsibility for Animals”
This competition invites students enrolled in Eastern and Oriental Orthodox seminaries and accredited theological programs worldwide to reflect on the theological, ethical, and ecological dimensions of Orthodox teachings regarding animals and creation. Participants are encouraged to explore both patristic and contemporary insights, highlighting the ecumenical potential of Orthodox theology in advancing animal welfare and ecological sustainability.
Eligibility
The competition is open to all graduate-level students currently enrolled in Eastern or Oriental Orthodox seminaries or accredited theological programs in the United States and abroad.
Awards (Funded by POCA)
- First Prize ($1,000)
- Publication in the Greek Orthodox Theological Review and print
- Featured on partner websites and promoted on social media
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- Second Prize ($500)
- Featured on partner websites and promoted on social media
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- Honorable Mentions
- Mentioned on partner websites
- Second Prize ($500)
- Publication in the Greek Orthodox Theological Review and print
- Submission Guidelines
- Essays must be approximately 3,000 words (plus references and notes).
- Submissions must follow the Chicago Manual of Style and be formatted as academic essays.
- Deadline: December 31, 2025 (12:00 AM EST).
- Submit to: hei@hchc.edu
- Finalist interviews: February 2026
- Awards announced: March 2026
- Evaluation Criteria
- Essays will be reviewed by a panel of Orthodox clergy, scholars, and experts in theology, ethics, environmental studies, and animal studies. Submissions will be judged on:
- Academic merit and originality
- Clarity and coherence of argument
- Theological and ethical insight
- Relevance to POCA’s mission and concerns
- Contribution to Orthodox Christian discourse on animal welfare and ecological responsibility
- About the Organizers
- The Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross promotes ecumenical dialogue and scholarship within the Orthodox Christian tradition.
- The Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals (POCA) is a faith-based initiative that promotes education, advocacy, and research to advance Orthodox Christian concern for the welfare of animals and the care of creation.
- Media Contact
- Elena Kontogli
- Huffington Ecumenical Institute at Hellenic College Holy Cross
- hei@hchc.edu