Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM until 11:00 AMUS Eastern Daylight Time UTC -04:00
Hospitality Suite - MOCC (second floor)610 Wooster RoadWinona Lake, IN 46590United States
What might the preaching of a ninth-century Byzantine patriarch contribute to the practice of Christian preaching today? This seminar offers a focused study of Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, examining his preaching within its historical context. One of the most significant intellectual and ecclesiastical figures of the Byzantine world, Photius provides a compelling case study in the relationship between biblical interpretation, rhetorical skill, and pastoral proclamation. A selected sermon of Photius will be examined as we seek to answer two questions: What can contemporary preachers learn from the strengths of his approach? Conversely, what aspects of his preaching should cause us to exercise caution? For pastors, students, and anyone interested in the history and practice of Christian preaching, this seminar offers an opportunity to place contemporary homiletics in conversation with one of the Byzantine Church’s most formidable preachers and theologians.Dr. Rock LaGioia serves as Professor of Pastoral Studies and Director of Doctoral Programs. Rock is passionate about building up the body of Christ by training the next generation of effective church leaders. Dr. LaGioia has taught undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses in bible, theology, pastoral studies, and preaching at Moody Bible Institute and Taylor University. Grace College; Huntington University Graduate School; Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; and Grace Theological Seminary. Rev. LaGioia has pastored churches in Illinois and has served as Interim Pastor at numerous churches throughout the Midwest. He has also served as Chaplain at O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway Airport. Rock enjoys an active preaching and teaching ministry at worship services, prophecy conferences, doctrinal seminars, pastors’ conferences, and denominational meetings.
Registration Rates (Complimentary breakfast included):
*For group registrations, please note that one person will receive the payment receipt. That person is the first one listed when inputting the registrations.*
