This year, the ceremony for the inauguration of the academic year at EST was unusual for many reasons. On October 13, 2020 the city authorities, academic staff, employees, students and friends of the Evangelical School of Theology met to start the new academic year.

Thanks to online technology such a meeting was possible and safe – despite the still prevailing pandemic and related restrictions. For the first time in the history of the university, the inauguration took place in a hybrid manner – the hosts were gathered in the EST building and listeners watched the live transmission via the Zoom platform.

The course of the ceremony was in accordance with EST tradition. The guests (both in the auditorium and – much more numerous – on the other side of screens) were welcomed by the Rector, Professor Wojciech Szczerba. The Dean, Professor Piotr Lorek addressed the students. The oath was read by the representative of the first-year students – Maria Czakaj. There was also a prayer and blessing, which was given by the Chancellor, Marek Kucharski.

An inaugural lecture was given by Professor Jerzy Kochanowicz who took the listeners on a fascinating journey through centuries and continents, presenting the history of Jesuits and their approach to Protestants. The lecturer also answered questions and comments of the participants. The lecture “Jesuits and Protestants – Eternal Enemies or Allies” can be viewed in Polish on the EST YouTube channel.

All aspects of the inauguration program were accompanied by live comments posted by the participants online – this is another novelty that enriched the meeting and allowed everyone to be involved.

The inauguration of 2020/2021 academic year was extraordinary for one more reason – we welcomed a record number of new students and auditors into the EST BA program. Many of those people have decided to start their studies because of the online mode of learning. These include people from remote parts of Poland and those living abroad.

The academic year 2020/2021 at the Evangelical School of Theology has officially started!

Please pray for:

1. Strength and persistence for EST students who work hard to acquire knowledge.
2. Wisdom for EST lecturers. Let their efforts will be effective and bring much fruit.
3. All the challenges connected to the current situation. Pray that the lack of social interaction will not be discouraging but rather be an opportunity to answer the most fundamental questions and be a time of spiritual breakthrough.