Dr. Geries Sa’ed Khoury’s Visits to Italy and Austria

6-18 March 2010

Dr. Khoury spent two weeks in Italy and Austria where he visited several cities and academic and social institutions. These visits began at the city of Catania in Sicily followed by visits to Genova, Varallo and Venice in Italy. In these visits Dr. Geries spoke about his book “A Palestinian Carrying his Cross”, about the meaning of “fasting” in eastern churches and interfaith dialogue between and Christian Muslim Arabs throughout the ages.

Dr. Geries’ next stop was Austria where he was hosted by Professor Gabriel Engeborg of the University of Vienna and sponsored by Pro Oriente. At the University of Vienna, Dr. Geries spoke about “Christian and Muslim Arab dialogue: past, present and future.” His lecture was attended by academicians and others interested in interfaith dialogue. A question and an answer session followed the lecture. At the University of Vienna he met Pro. Irmgard, Madam Sabine Kroissenburunner,Miss Czernin Maria ,Madam Pia de Simony , the general Secretary of pro Oriente and many others.  

Dr. Khoury then visited the city of Salzburg at the invitation of Professor Winkler Dietmar, a lecturer in theology and the eastern churches, where he lectured at the College of Theology of the university of Salzburg in Christian and Muslim Dialogue and challenges it faces at the present and spoke as well on Christian Muslim dialogue from Prophet Muhammad’s time to the present. At the University of Salzburg he met several experts on eastern Christianity including Dr. Jasmine and Dr. Aho Shemunkasho.

Dr. Khoury met in Vienna several journalists who are interested in the east as well as other officers of Austrian institutions such as Pro Oriente and Missio / Vienna.

At the conclusion of his visit to Austria Professors who hosted Dr. Khoury expressed their desire and determination to strengthen their relations with Al-Liqa’ Center through common projects, conferences, and encounters aiming to know one another cultural background.