Orthodox Christian Diasporas in Western Europe: Grounding the Tradition in Italy

This presentation offers a sociological perspective on the settlement and transformation of Eastern Orthodox diasporas in Western Europe. Using Orthodox churches in Italy as a case study, it frames the intersection of religion and migration through the lens of religious glocalization. It highlights how these immigrant churches reshape their practices, positions, and identities to root the Holy Tradition—a core feature and mission of Orthodoxy—in new contexts abroad. Some Orthodox churches have also adapted their social conservatism by developing new socio-cultural and religious interactions within the host society. This presentation seeks to move beyond viewing Orthodox Christianity as a static system, instead portraying Orthodox diasporas as dynamic actors engaging with contemporary challenges.