Between May 14–17, 2025, the 13th conference of the Commission for Eastern/Central European and Dutch Inter-University Cooperation (COMENIUS) took place. The academic program began with an opening lecture by Jenő Kiss. Over the course of three days, a total of thirty-six presentations were delivered in parallel sessions.
Reflections on the COMENIUS–SOMEF 2025 Conference


Between May 14–17, 2025, the 13th conference of the Commission for Eastern/Central European and Dutch Inter-University Cooperation (COMENIUS) took place. The event was opened by Sándor Kovács, Rector of the Protestant Theological Institute of Cluj-Napoca, which hosted the conference. Following him, Olga Lukács, Dean of the Faculty of Reformed Theology and Music at Babeș–Bolyai University, delivered a welcome address on behalf of the co-organizing institution.
The academic program began with an opening lecture by Jenő Kiss. Over the course of three days, a total of thirty-six presentations were delivered in parallel sessions. Speakers from eleven different countries explored how theological and other academic disciplines can perceive and interpret the challenges of their respective contexts while maintaining a strong connection to their theological foundations. The participants enriched the presentations with their insightful contributions, deepening the discussions.
One of the highlights of the conference was the excursion to the Turda Salt Mine and the village of Torockó (Rimetea). Participants had the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Transylvania, its historical heritage, religious life, and Hungarian folk culture. The shared experiences, especially the dinner in Torockószentgyörgy (Colțești), provided an excellent opportunity for strengthening personal connections.
On the final day, representatives of the participating institutions, led by Robert Schelander, presented reports on their activities and the challenges they are currently facing. On the same day, Dr. Zoltán Adorjáni was honored with a special award: the College of Doctors of the Hungarian Reformed Church conferred upon him the title of Theological Doctor with a Gold Ring. His academic achievements were praised by Előd Hodossy-Takács, who then formally presented the award.
The closing evaluation of the conference was moderated by Ibolya Balla. Participants looked back on the event with gratitude, discussed organizational experiences, and shared ideas regarding possible themes and locations for the next conference.