Writers’ workshop, 20–22 August 2026

Writers from across the Orthodox Church in Eastern Africa met for three days in Karen, Nairobi, to work on what they were writing — presenting it, saying where it had become difficult, and asking for the help they needed.

Held

20–22 August 2026

Venue

Dimesse Retreat and Conference Centre, Karen, Nairobi

Theme

“Writing Faithful and True Words” (Revelation 21:5)

Hosted by

African Orthodox Theological Institute

Funded by

Templeton World Charity Foundation

In partnership with

The Orthodox Church of Kenya, Nagel Institute, Calvin University, Makarios III Orthodox Seminary, Fuller Seminary

• Day oneThursday 20 AugustMorning prayers and welcomes, then orientation on the two projects the workshop serves. The day was given to writers' introductions: what each was working on, what had been challenging, where they really needed help, and what they wanted from the three days. Writers were then sorted into groups and writing spaces, in person and online.
• Day twoFriday 21 AugustTwo writers' panels on the forms, methods and styles of writing, on what makes writing difficult and what makes it easier, each followed by questions. The afternoon turned to publishing — edited books and book chapters, and academic journals — then to certificates and the group photograph, and finally to group writing time on chapter outlines, style, method and materials.
• Day threeSaturday 22 AugustTwo debrief segments for the writers' questions, views and comments, then the conclusion: final announcements, the next stages of the project, and the way forward.

• —Beginnings
• Psalm 19:3–4Sending your voice to the world
• Jeremiah 30:2Writing in a book
• Revelation 21:5Writing faithful and true words
• Psalm 45:1Pen of a ready writer
• Matthew 13:51–52Bringing new and old treasures

AOA’s own photography of the three days, in the order it was taken.