Ecumenical Patriarchate to host bioethics conference on low fertility

The 4th Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is scheduled to take place from October 2 to 4, 2026, at the ‘Theomitor’ Social and Cultural Ministry Center of the Holy Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamos in Greece.

Chaired by Archbishop Macarius of Australia, the president of the Patriarchate’s Synodal Committee on Bioethics, the conference will focus on the issue of low fertility rates. This topic is identified as a major demographic and social challenge with long-term negative implications for Greek society.

Participants, including hierarchs, professors, physicians, and scientific experts, will examine the phenomenon through theological, scientific, and social lenses. Discussions will cover declining birth rates, population aging, the rising age of family formation, and the socio-economic factors influencing decisions regarding parenthood, as well as advancements in medical science. The goal is to move beyond mere documentation of the demographic problem to explore its causes, consequences, and potential pastoral interventions by the Church.