Lesya Sabada

• Doctorate of Religious Peacebuilding, St. Paul University – University of Ottawa, Ottawa
• Master of Arts in Eastern Christian Studies, Minor in Pastoral Counselling, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
• Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies Specialist, University of Toronto, Toronto
• Bachelor of Education, Major in History, Minor in Religious Studies, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon

• Laudato Si and an Eastern Christian Perspective on the Wholeness of Creation
• Human relations with the animal kingdom and nature through the lens of ancient and modern Eastern Christian voices and modern scientific discoveries.

On Site Field Research 

• History of Atomic Bombings - Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan - 2024
• Traumatized Elephants - Republic of Congo - 2023
• Western Lowland Gorillas with world authority on gorillas Spanish primatologist Dr. Magdalena Bermejo – Republic of Congo – 2023
• Female Genital Mutilation – Ethiopia - 2023
• Effects of Whale hunting - South Georgia Island - 2022
• Climate Change in Antartica - Antartica - 2021
• Glacier Study - Iceland - 2021
• Darwin's Evolutionary Theory - Galapagos Islands - 2019
• Development and Peace Research of Ecosystems in Amazonia - 2019
• Ecological Challenges of the Mura People - Amazon Basin - 2019
• Deforestation and Environmental Collaps - Eastern Island, Chile - 2018
• Climate Change and Cyclone Gita - The Kingdom of Tonga - 2018
• Jungle Destruction in Papua , Indonesia - 2018
• Wildlife Destruction of Elephant Under Idi Amin - Uganda - 2016
• Military Occupations in Yemen - 2015
• Boabob Trees - Madagascar - 2014
• Palm Oil Destruction in Borneo, Indonesia - 2014
• Orangutan Research in Camp Leakey, Tanjung Putting Reserve Borneo - 2014
• Tibetan Exile, Dharamsala, India - 2014
• Myanmar Military Occupation - 2013
• Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary - Thailand - 2013
• Cambodian Genocide - 2012
• Chinese Cultural Revolution; Tibet and China 2010
• Chimpanzee Sanctuary Research - Ngamba Island, Uganda - 2008
• Mountain Gorillas - Rwanda - 2008
• Tutsi and Hutu Genocide, Rwanda - 2008
• Female Genital Mutilation, Ethiopia - 2008
• Political Violence, Zimbabwe - 2008
• South African Apartheid - 2008
• Structural Violence, Palestinian Refugee Camps, Israel - 2007
• Structural Violence, Bangkok Slums - 2000
• Berem-Ikrit Conflict - Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel - 1997
• Berem-Ikrit Conflict - Haifa, Israel - 1996
• Nazi Violence, Babyn Yar, Ukraine - 1995

Conference Papers 

• "Magdalena Bermejo Insights and Eastern Christian Theology: An Unplanned Connection." Seventh International Conference on the European Academy of Religion, Palermo, Sicily, May 2024.
• Nature – Sweetness of the Face of God - Keynote Address – Consortium of Christian Relief and Development, Fifth International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives and Poverty Reduction for Ecological Justice (SAPREJ) , Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2023.
• Jane Goodall Discoveries and Eastern Christian Theology: An Unplanned Connection – Crete 2022 Keynote Address. World Council of Churches: Seventh International Conference on Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania, Crete, October 2022.
• "Extension of Love to the Creator's Creation." Keynote Address. World Council of Churches:Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Conference, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania, Crete, September 2019.
• "Orthodox Perspectives on Religious Peace building and the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine: Interplay Between Gandhian Nonviolent Thoughts." University of Saskatchewan, Mahatma Gandhi 150th Anniversary Conference, Saskatoon, Sask., September 2019.
• "Environmental Nonviolence and the Palm Oil Paradox: The Effects of Habitat Destruction in Borneo." World Council of Churches: Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Conference, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania, Crete, September 2019.
• "Eastern Christian Theological Resources in Action for Peacebuilding and Environmental Ethics." Keynote Address. Keynote Address. World Council of Churches: Fourth International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji, June 2018.
• Christian Theological Resources in Action For Peacebuilding and Environmental Ethics, Keynote Address. Ecological Theology and Environmental Conference, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania Crete, October 2017.​
• “Religious Peacebuilding - Building a House of Peace.” Keynote Address. World Council of Churches: Third International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, University of Kyambogo, Kampala, Uganda, April, 2016.
• “Archbishop Joseph Raya:  Nonviolent Christian Apostle.” Doctoral Student Panel, Nonviolence: The Weapon of the Strong Conference: Advancing Nonviolence, Spirituality and Social Transformation, University of St. Paul, May, 2014.
• “Palm Oil Paradox:  The Effects of Habitat Destruction in Borneo.”  Keynote Address. World Council of Churches: Second International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar, May 2014.
• “A Personal Reflection: Sustainable Communities and the Power of One:  Insights from Eastern Christianity.”  Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Conference, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania, Crete, September 2013.
• “Ecological Spirituality.”   International Green the Scene Conference, Vancouver, June 2012.
• “The Eastern Christian Church’s Ecological Vision.”  Keynote Address.  Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Conference, Orthodox Academy of Crete, Chania, Crete, July 2011.

 Public Presentations (Selected)

• "Eastern Christian Theological Resources and Action for Environmental Ethics." Adult Faith Formation, Eparchy of Saskatoon, Regina, Saskatchewan, June 2019.
• "Eastern Christian Theological Resources and Action for Environmental Ethics." Adult Faith Formation, Eparchy of Saskatoon, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, October 2018.
• "Eastern Christian Response to the Ecological Crisis." Season of Creation, Interfaith and Inter Religious Gathering, September 2018.
• "The State of the Planet." Season of Creation, Interfaith and Interreligious Gathering, Saskatoon, Sk., Canada, September 2018.
• "Potential of Religion and Positive Peace." United Nations University for Peace, San Jose, Costa Rica, February 2018.
• "Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, Clergy and Staff Study Days, Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy, October 2017.
• "Religious Based Peacebuilding." United Nations University for Peace, San Jose, Costa Rica, February 2017.
• "Buddhist and Eastern Christian Interiority.”  National Seminary of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand, January 2011.
• “Buddhist and Eastern Christian Meditation.” National Seminary of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand, January 2011.
• “Peacebuilding Strategies:  The Life and Work of Archbishop Joseph Raya," Sheptytsky Institute, St. Paul University, July 2008.
• “Jewish, Moslem and Christian Peace: The Vision of Archbishop Raya.” Haifa, Israel, July 2007.
• “Reconciliation in the Middle East: Archbishop Raya’s Role.” Melkite National Conference, Birmingham, Alabama, July 2006.
• “The Dalai Lama and Interiority.” Saskatoon Peace Coalition, Saskatoon, November 2004.
• “Nonviolence and Buddhism.” Saskatoon Peace Coalition, Saskatoon, November 2003.
• “Feminism and Eastern Christianity.”  Friends of Sophia, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, November, 2004.
• “Woman:  A Call to Beauty.” National Eastern Catholic Women’s Conference, Chicago, February 2005.
• “The Creation Story and Woman.” National Eastern Catholic Women’s Conference, Chicago, February, 2005.
• “The Energies of God: An Eastern Christian Perspective.” Multi faith Saskatoon, Earth Day, April, 2001.
• “Femininity as the Future of Humankind.” Regional Eastern Catholic Women’s Conference, Sacramento, February 2000.
•  “Cosmic Theology:  Sacredness of Body and Matter.” Regional Eastern Catholic Women’s Conference. Sacramento, February 2000.
• “Women and Nonviolence.”  Regional Eastern Catholic Women’s Conference, Sacramento, February 

Publications

• Jane Goodall Discoveries and Eastern Christian Theology: An Unplanned Connection

Refereed Book Chapters

• Lesya Sabada, "Joseph Raya: A Case Study in Religious Peace Building," Logos: A Journal of Eastern Christian Studies 62, no.1-4 (2021)
• “The God of Both Squirrels and of Men – The Challenge of the White Thesis.” In Contemporary Ecotheology, Climate Justice and Environmental Stewardship in World Religions. Edited by Louk A. Andrianos and Tom Sverre Tomren. Embla Akademisk, 2021.
• “The Eastern Churches Ecological Vision.” In Lucas Andrianos, Jan-Willem Sneep, and Konstantinos S. Kenanidis, eds. Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics, Vol.2, 18-26. Chania: Orthodox Academy Crete, 2012.
• “The Eastern Churches Ecological Vision.” In Mathew Punnackadu and Nair Chandrasekharan, eds. Religious Response to Ecological Challenges, 29-33. Saarbrucken, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2013
• “Sustainable Communities and The Power of One: Insights into Eastern Christianity.” In Lucas Andrianos and Konstantinos S. Kenanidis, eds. Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics, Vol.3, 49-53. Chania: Orthodox Academy of Crete, 2014.
• “Environmental Nonviolence and the Palm Oil Paradox: The Effects of Habitat Destruction in Borneo.” In Lucas Andrianos, ed. SAPREJ: Sustainable Alternatives and Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, Vol.2. Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2015. 

Editorial Review Articles

• “Archbishop Joseph Raya: Apostle of Peace and Love.” United Nations’ University for Peace: Peace and Conflict Monitor  Costa Rica, November 10, 2014.

Non-Refereed Books

• Go to the Deep: The Life of Archbishop Joseph Raya, Nominated for the 2005 Nobel Prize. Boston: Sophia Press, 2006.

Media Work

• War in Ukraine, CTV News, April 2022
• St. Thomas More, Theology on Tap, October 2021
• Turning to Religion, CTV News, April 2020
• United Nations University of Peace, Ideas for Peace, Guest Speaker, February 2021
• Documentary: "Our Planet, Protecting God's Creation: Reflections on Laudato Si'" Video Series - Part One, Saskatoon, Sask. March 2021.
• Introduction - Our Planet, Protecting God's Creation: Reflections on Laudato Si' 
• Documentary: "Visiting Professors Working for the United Nations", San Jose, Costa Rica. April 2020.
• Documentary: "Laudato Si' and Life on the Farm." Saskatoon, Sask. January 2020.
• Documentary: "Scientists and Theologians in Dialogue." Crete, Greece. April 2014.
• Program Coordinator and Hostess, "Identity and Dialogue," Eight part series about Religion. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1994.
• Program Coordinator and actor: "Millennium: River of Joy." Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1988.

Current and Past Teaching Responsibilities at STM:

• RLST 112.3 - Western Religions in Society and Culture ​ 
• RLST 210.3 - Religion and Ecology
• CTST 200.3 - Catholic Studies
• RLST 284.3 - Religions and Non Violence
• RLST 315.3 - Eastern Christian Thought in the First Millennium 
• RLST 316.3 - Eastern Christian Thought in the Second Millennium

Previous Teaching Experiences:

• Visiting Professor, Department of Peace and Conflict, United Nations University for Peace, San Jose, Costa Rica, February 2020 to present.
• Guest Lecturer, Department of Peace, University of Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Apri 2018.
• Guest Lecturer, United Nations University for Peace, San Jose, Costa Rica, February 2016, 2017.
• World Council of Churches, Working Group for Climate Change, 2016 to present.
• Guest Lecturer, Kyambogo University, Kampala, Uganda, 2016.
• Sessional Lecturer, Department of Religion and Culture, St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan, 2015 to present.
• Sessional Lecturer, Department of Religion and Culture, St. Peter’s College, Muenster, Saskatchewan, 2015 to present.
• Guest Lecturer, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar, May 2014.
• Guest Lecturer, National Seminary, Bangkok, Thailand, 2000 and 2012.
• Sessional Lecturer, Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, Saskatoon Seniors for Continued Learning, 2006 to 2011. 
• Sessional Lecturer, Department of Religious Studies and Anthropology, University of Saskatchewan, 2000 to 2009.
• Guest Lecturer, Diocese of Akko, Haifa and All of Galilee, Haifa, Israel, 2007
• Lecturer of World Religions, Political Non-Violence, Death and Dying, Spirituality of the Environment, Mysticism, and Byzantine Theology, Extension Division – Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 1995 to 2000.

Public Events Coordinated/Community Volunteer Services

• World Council of Churches Working Group for Biodiversity and Climate Justice, May 2024 to present.
• SAPREJ Program Committee and World Council of Churches, Seventh International Conference on sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, University of Malawi, Malawi 2025.
• Working Group for the National Reconciliation between Russia and Ukraine, October 2023 to present
• SAPREJ Program Co-Chair and Moderator –Fifth International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, May 2023.
• CCRDA Consortium of Christian Relief and Development , Co- Chair and Moderator - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 2023.
• Eparchy of Saskatoon Director and Editor, "Our Planet, Protecting God's Creation: Reflections on Laudato Si'" Video Series, Eparchy of Saskatoon, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
• Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Co-Chair and Moderator - Seventh International Conference, Chania, Greece, October 2022.
• Eparchy of Saskatoon Interfaith Statement on Climate Change Towards COP 26, October 2021.
• Program Committee Member of the Irene and Doug Schmeiser Center for Faith, Reason, Peace and Justice, St. Thomas More College, Saskatoon 2021 to present.
• Season of Creation, Local Coordinator and Host - YouTube Akathist Hymn for Creation, September 2021, Regina Saskatchewan.
• World Earth Day Walk, Eparchy of Saskatoon, Organizer and Teacher, May 2021, Saskatoon Saskatchewan.
• Ecoboro of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Kiev Ukraine
• Season of Creation, Local Coordinator and Host- YouTube Akathist Hymn for Creation, September 2020, Saskatoon Saskatchewan.
• Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Co-Chair and Moderator - Sixth International Conference, Chania, Greece, September 2019.
• Season of Creation, Local Coordinator and Moderator, Saskatoon, Sask., September 2019.
• Development and Peace, Field Researcher in Manaus, Brazil and Amazonia, August 2019.
• SAPREJ Program Co-Chair and Moderator -Five International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, Suva University, Fiji, Uganda, June 2018.
• Season of Creation, Local Coordinator and Moderator, Saskatoon, Sask., September 2018.
• Communities Inspired for Environmental Action, Committee Member, 2018 to Present.
• Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Co-Chair and Moderator - Fifth International Conference, Chania, Greece, October 2017.
• Peace Studies Committee Work, St. Thomas More College, 2016 -2020.
• Muslim-Christian Dialogue (hosted in rotation by STM and the Islamic Society of Saskatchewan), Member, 2016-to present.
• Corporation Member, St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan, 2016 to present
• SAPREJ Program Co-Chair and Moderator –Third International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, Kampala, Uganda, April 2016.
• Spearheaded the Initial Drive to establish a Peace Center at St. Thomas More College, January 2016
• SAPREJ Program Co-Chair and Moderator-- Second International Conference on Sustainable Alternatives for Poverty Reduction and Ecological Justice, University of Antananarivo, Antananarivo, Madagascar, May 2014.
• Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Conference Moderator – Third International Conference, Chania, Greece, 2013.
• Ecological Theology and Environmental Ethics Conference Moderator – Second International Conference, Chania, Crete, 2012.
• Nominee: Canadian Department of Peace Initiative, Saskatoon Chapter. 2010 to present.
• Coordinator: Nobel Peace Prize Nomination for Archbishop Joseph Raya, 320 page document, 2005.
• Founder and Organizational Chairperson – Windows to the East.  Saint Thomas More representative in inter-denominational lecture series, focusing on Eastern Christianity, 1993 to 1997.
• Founder and Organizational Chairperson, Eparchy of Saskatoon, Study Day’s Committee, 1988-1992.