Faith, Identity and Responsibility in Times of Global Tension
Christians in the Borderlands of Central and Eastern Europe
Oikosnet Europe General Assembly 2026
17–20 September 2026 | Vilnius, Lithuania
Dear Members and Friends of Oikosnet Europe,
We are very grateful to the many Oikosnet members who responded to our emails with suggestions for the General Assembly 2026. In planning our time together, we have included many of the ideas we received, both for topics for discussion and for ways to strengthen our network.
The Orthodox Christian Institute for Education and Research in Vilnius, Lithuania, has invited Oikosnet Europe to hold its General Assembly 2026 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The Orthodox Christian Institute for Education and Research belongs to the Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Lithuania, an Orthodox ecclesiastical territorial unit under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, covering the territory of the Republic of Lithuania.
On behalf of the Board of Oikosnet Europe and the Orthodox Christian Institute for Education and Research, it is our pleasure to welcome Oikosnet Europe members and invited guests to the General Assembly 2026.
The Oikosnet Europe General Assembly 2026 will take place in Vilnius from 17–20 September 2026. Registration is now closed, and we look forward to welcoming participants to Vilnius.
The GA will begin on Thursday, 17 September, with a guided tour of Vilnius at 15:00, followed by Opening Worship at 18:00, dinner and a welcoming evening. The General Assembly will conclude on Sunday, 20 September, with departures after 13:00.
Study Day 2026
The Study Day 2026 will take place on 18–19 September as an international conference organised in cooperation with the Lithuanian Catholic Academy of Science:
Christian Nationalism, War and Hospitality
Christians in the Borderlands of Central and Eastern Europe in Times of Global Tension
It is important to make the experiences and concerns of societies, academies and churches in Central and Eastern Europe visible in the light of Russia’s ongoing aggression, as well as the expectations towards Western Europe in this situation. The wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and numerous other places around the world call for theological reflection and assessment.
There is also the question of European identity under pressure, the role of churches in defending democracy in increasingly polarised contexts, and the responsibility of Christians in addressing antisemitism, religious hatred and anti-religious hatred. We need to look for an understanding of the nation, or the nation state, that is not defined by the right wing or far right and that challenges Christian Nationalism.
Follow the Study Day Live
The Oikosnet Europe Study Day 2026 will be streamed live on YouTube. Everyone is warmly invited to follow the programme online and join us from wherever you are.
Watch the Study Day live on YouTube
We are also happy to introduce our new official Oikosnet Europe YouTube channel. We invite you to visit the channel and subscribe to stay connected with Oikosnet Europe and our future video content.
Visit and subscribe to the Oikosnet Europe YouTube channel
After the Study Day, the recording will also be made available on our official YouTube channel and through the Oikosnet Europe website.
Agenda and Detailed Programme
The programmes for the Oikosnet Europe General Assembly 2026 and the Study Day in Vilnius are now available.
Please find below the detailed programmes, including schedules, sessions, workshops and practical information for participants.
Programme of the General Assembly 2026
Programme of the Study Day 2026
Venue and Accommodation
The venue of the conference will be:
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania
Vokieciu g. 20
LT-01130 Vilnius
Accommodation will be at:
Old Town Trio Hotel
Raugyklos St. 15A
Vilnius
Hotel: https://oldtown3.lt/hotel/
If you have any final questions concerning accommodation or practical arrangements, please contact the Oikosnet Europe office at office@oikosnet.eu.
Conference Language
The conference language for all sessions will be English. Some consecutive translation on a voluntary basis may be possible, but translation is not organised by the Oikosnet Europe Board.
Proxies
If your organisation is unable to attend the General Assembly 2026, we would still like to ensure that your voice is represented.
Please remember to transfer your voting rights to another Oikosnet Europe member by proxy. A proxy form is available from the Oikosnet Europe office at office@oikosnet.eu.
For several decisions at the General Assembly, it will be important to ensure that the required quorum is reached.
See You in Vilnius
We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to Vilnius and to sharing these days of discussion, exchange, reflection and fellowship together.
If you have any final questions concerning the General Assembly, please do not hesitate to contact us at office@oikosnet.eu.
With every good wish,
Katerina Karkala Heinz-Joachim Lohmann
President, Oikosnet Europe Executive Secretary, Oikosnet Europe