CHRISTIAN-JUDAIC DIALOGUE 

On October 27-29^th 2006 Seventh Days Adventists jointly with “Tkuma” Center have initiated “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” in Dnepropetrovsk. In the frames of the event the religious, philosophical and historical issues have been discussed by Judaists and Christians - Orthodox and Protestant (Seventh Days Adventists) and representatives of other confessions.

The problem of Christian-Judaic relationships is still relevant nowadays. Having appeared in the first century B.C. in Palestine, Judaism is considered to be one of the earliest monotheistic religions that have disseminated among Jewish people.

As to Christianity, it appeared in the first century A.D. in Palestine in the contest of messianic movements of Judaism, and soon came into the conflict with Judaism. Originally Christianity has been spread among Palestine Jews and Mediterranean diaspora, but in the first decades of its existence it gained the followers among other people (“pagans”). The personal comprehension of Bible Absolute has been developed in principal Christian dogmas that denoted the main difference of Christianity and Judaism, among which – Trinity and God’s Incarnation.

But in spite of disputable attitudes regarding philosophical, theological and historical issues, the representatives of different confessions have been delighted to participate in inter-ethnic and inter-confessional dialogue. In the frames of “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” the various topics have been raised – beginning from history Jesus crucifixion up to Holocaust assessment in the world context.The last topic discussion has been emphasized by the participation of Holocaust witnesses’, those people who have survived in the abysmal tragedy, risking their lives to defend own moral principals.

The meeting has been marked by the piano and violin performing of Jewish, Ukrainian, Russian music and Christian motets. The facilitators of “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” were Maxim Gordienko (Pastor, Seventh Days Adventists) and Dr. Igor Shchupak, Director of Tkuma All-Ukrainian Center for Holocaust Studies).

The “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” has also hosted Arey Vudka (Teacher of Hebrew and Jewish traditions) and witnesses of WWII events who have narrated about the relationship between Jewry and other soviet compatriots, who risked their lives rescuing the Jews from Nazi genocide. Daniil Buz has shared his childhood recollections - when he was a little boy, his family have rescued human lives by hiding the Jews from Nazi.

The WWII witnesses have spoken about Jews persecution, mass exterminations and heroic deeds.

The “Christian-Judaic Dialogue” was targeted to gather people of different ethnic groups and confessions, united by spiritual values to remember the History Lessons.