Students of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Latvia present their research in readings of doctoral scholarship reports of the University of Latvia

On May 18, readings of doctoral scholarship reports of the University of Latvia Foundation were held throughout the day, in which two doctoral students of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Latvia (FT UL) - Aleksejs Gaļperns and Roberts Galvāns - also participated.

Aleksejs Galperns, a 2nd year student of the doctoral program at FT UL and K. Ozoliņa - E. Mednis Trust Foundation scholarship recipient, presented the latest results of his research “History of Mt 28: 18–20 interpretation, in theological consciousness and liturgy in the church in the 4th century”. The verse chosen by the doctoral student has always caused discussions among scientists. It raises a variety of questions and raises problems of interpretation, and this passage has played an important role in the history of theology, liturgy, and the mission of the Church. The Gospel of Matthew contains Jesus' command to "baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," but many scholars believe that this is a later version of the text because nowhere else in the text does the Trinitarian formula appear in baptism. Nevertheless, this tradition is also found in other literary sources of early Christianity. The practice of baptizing people in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit was widespread, for example, among 2nd-century Gnostics. During the presentation, Aleksejs Galperns argued why this passage should nevertheless be seen as part of the authentic version of the text, emphasizing in particular the nature of these verses and their significance in the wider context of the Gospel of Matthew. It also follows that this formula for baptism was known to believers as early as the end of the 1st century and the beginning of the 2nd century. In conclusion, the doctoral student emphasized that in the 1st and 2nd centuries this passage was most often interpreted in the context of baptism, but in the following centuries it already played an important role in the discussions about the Trinity.

Roberts Galvāns, a 1st year doctoral student at FT UL and a recipient of a scholarship from the North Elbe Pastors' Association, is currently actively working on identifying sources for the dissertation “Covid-19 Pandemic and Sacramental Fellowship in the Lutheran Tradition in Latvia” to continue work on the definition of the concept of the “Eucharist” in Lutheran understanding, as well as to understand the views of Lutheran clergy on these issues. Interviews with clergy and theologians of various Lutheran backgrounds are also taking place in parallel. The doctoral student has also presented his research in the 79th conference of theology and religious studies section of the University of Latvia, and a summary of this research has also been published in the conference thesis collection.

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About UL Foundation

Since 2004, the University of Latvia Foundation has provided an opportunity for patrons and cooperation partners to support both the University of Latvia and other leading Latvian higher education institutions, thus investing in the future of Latvia. The priorities of the LU Foundation are to support the best students and researchers, to promote the creation of a modern study environment, as well as the construction and reconstruction of university buildings.