The theme of the conference is 'Origen and Origenism in the History of Western Thought'. This theme includes a number of sub-themes, such as the reception of Origen and Origenism in philosophy and theology, from the earliest reception in the third and fourth centuries through the Middle Ages to the most recent reception in the 20th century; the philological work on Origen's texts; the use or rejection of Origen's exegetical principles etc.

The conference program has five main themes:

1. Influence, use or reception of ancient traditions. Theoretical approaches to Origen in Western traditions.
2. The reception of Origen's thoughts in Western theological and philosophical traditions.
3. The reception of Origen's thoughts in Western religious experience / mysticism.
4. The reception of Origen's works in modern editions and translations.
5. How can Origen and Origen Studies contribute to Western traditions in the 21^st century?

The following five main lectures will introduce the themes:

• Bernard Pouderon, professor at Université Francois – Rabelais, Tours, Centre d'Études Supérieures de la Renaissance,  Influence, use or reception of ancient traditions. Theoretical approaches to Origen in Western traditions.
• Ilaria Ramelli, professor of Roman Near East History (Chieti), Assistant in Ancient Philosophy (Catholic University of the Sacred Heart), Senior Visiting Professor of Greek Thought, of Church History, and Senior Fellow (Durham University), The reception of Origen's thoughts in Western theological and philosophical traditions.
• Andrew Louth, professor emeritus of Patristic and Byzantine Studies, Durham University: The reception of Origen's thoughts in Western religious experience / mysticism
• Christoph Markschies, professor of Church History, Humboldt University, Berlin: The reception and transformation of Origen's works in modern editions and translations: Some comparative views on Editions in Britain, France, Italy and Germany.      
• Alfons Fürst, professor, Seminar für Alte Kirchengeschichte, Katholisch-Theologische Fakultät, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster: Origen’s legacy to modern thinking about freedom and autonomy.