NEWS

On the 21st May, St Trivelius Institute and the New Bulgarian University held a conference on the theme of " and the Rights of Minority Groups" - International Regulations, Societal Practices and National Policy. The speakers, invited by St Trivelius Institute, were: Prof. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher (Director of the International Institute for Religious Freedom and rector of the Martin Bucer European Theological Seminary and Research Institutes; Bonn, Germany); Prof. Dr. Christine Schirrmacher (State University of Bonn, Germany); Dr. Kamelia Slavcheva (Dean, St. Trivelius Institute); and Momchil Petrov.

Great interest was generated by Prof. Schirrmacher's lecture on the Advantages for Society of Religious Freedom for Minorities - Lessons from the Global Experience. A large amount of discussion also arose from Prof. Dr. Christine Schirrmacher's lecture on the theme of 'Islam in Europe in the Minority Context'. On the background of the current situation with refugees from Syria, Iran and Afghanistan, the information shared by Prof. Christine Schirrmacher was of great benefit to the wider public, not familiar with the teachings of the various forms of Islam. Increased awareness of these ideas will help Bulgarians to be more tolerant of refugees in crisis situations.

The course 'Methodology of Psychological Investigation' was held from 15-17 May, with Prof. Encho Gerganov from the Department of and at the New Bulgarian University. Students who attended the course reported being particularly pleased that a conceivably 'dry' science was presented in such an interesting way. The lecturer's depth of knowledge, his openness to the students, and his use of practical methods for the analysis of different types of problems, tests and investigations will be of great use to the students in their future work as consultants.

STUDENT'S PAGE

Meet Yanita, a student in the Spiritual Formation program.

Yanita works with Scripture Union in Bulgaria - organization that works with children in Bulgaria. Children love her because she is the embodiment of God's love - bright, with a big smile and a real heart for children. When you first meet Yanita it is not apparent that many difficult experiences have already left their mark on her life. Although Yanita was raised in the church, her teenage years were filled with rage and anger because of what was happening in her family. Despite this, Yanita is especially thankful for her Christian friends, who helped her pass through this period, answered her questions and helped her to search for God. Yanita studied briefly at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, however in the end she chose a profession through which she would be able to help people going through difficult times and needing some outside help.

"As I am currently studying Psychology, the Master's Program in Spiritual Formation gives me the Christian perspective on many psychological questions. In Bulgaria, believers often have prejudices against secular psychologists, therapists and psychiatrists. I would like to further develop myself in the field of psychology and possibly work as a therapist. Speaking to fellow Christians, many are happy that I am choosing to study this, as there are very few Christian psychologists practicing in Bulgaria. There are many moral and faith issues that have psychological paradigms.

This is why the Master's program at Trivelius Institute is of such interest to me. As it combines psychology and theology, it allows me to further investigate some of the contradictions that I have found and also helps me to make contact with Christian people working in the field. "

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Part of the Faculty is participating in theEuropean Leadership Forum from 22 to 29 May in Poland. They will participate in various networks, workshops and initiatives, relevant to the field in which they work. The forum is one of the most significant events on the European continent and provides an opportunity for many Christian ministry leaders to gain experience, exchange ideas and be encouraged by the scale of the work of God's spirit amongst people today. This year approximately 600 people will participate in the forum.

Forum participants have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and receive training and encouragement from Forum leaders. After having met various leaders of the Forum, participants are able to determine which speakers would be most appropriate to the context of their own countries, and invite them to come and speak.

The Spirituality and Spiritual Formation course, with Professor Georgi Kapriev, will be running soon for the students in the Master's program in Spiritual Formation. Professor Georgi Kapriev is one of the most important figures in contemporary Bulgarian society. Prof. Kapriev heads up the Department of the of in the Philosophy Faculty at University 'St Kliment Orhidski'. He also heads the committee on 'Byzantine Philosophy' in the International Society for the Study of (SIEPM), based in Leuven, Belgium. He is the author of numerous books in the field of medieval Christian philosophy, and is the editor of the magazine 'Christianity and ', one of the few major Christian magazines in Bulgaria.

PRAYER NEEDS:

1. For the students that will apply for our programs this summer. 2. Pray for the accreditation by Bulgarian ministry of . 3. Extension centers in Sofia, Varna, Bourgas, Sliven, Pazardzhik and Sandanski.

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