 |
News and Programs 08.22.25
| |
|
Welcome from Emory Spiritual Life
The Emory University Chaplaincy supports the spiritual lives of Emory students, faculty, and staff. Whether you are deeply rooted in a religious tradition, seeking a spiritual practice or home, or even curious about the place of religion and ethics in human lives and our world, Emory’s spiritual communities and programs are open to you to practice or simply to learn.
- If you have questions about how to connect with the resources you would like, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at religiouslife@emory.edu.
- To learn more about our multifaith chaplaincy team, please find their information here.
- To request an Emory OSRL printed calendar, please click here.
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy Sacred Spaces
The Emory University Chaplaincy maintains many prayer and meditation spaces across campus, including the Emory Interfaith Center at 1707 N. Decatur Road. Hours are 9 am-8 pm during term. Please feel free to stop by for a free coffee or snack, reserve space for your spiritual gatherings, talk with a chaplain, or just relax.
Learn more about the Emory Interfaith Center here. Learn about our other sacred spaces here.
| |
Spiritual Life Resource Fair
Tuesday, August 26, 12:00-2:00 p.m., ESC Promenade
Emory’s chaplains, religious life affiliates, and student leaders from Emory’s many spiritual communities welcome you with cold drinks, snacks, and information about their programs. Connect with resources for spirituality, service, and community at Emory. All students are warmly welcome. Religious, secular, and philosophical communities on campus include:
- Adventist Christian Fellowship
- Baptist Collegiate Ministry
- Beloved Community Christian Community
- Bread Coffeehouse Campus Ministry
- Catholic Student Union
- Chabad at Emory
- Collegiate Black Christians
- EmoryBuddhist Club
- Emory Christian Fellowship
- Emory Global Medical Missions Alliance
- Emory In Via
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church
- Grace House (Lutheran/Episcopal)
- Hillel at Emory
- Hindu Students Association
- Holistic Hub
- InterVarsity: International Fellowship
- Jain Students Association
- Journey Christian Fellowship
- LaFe (Latino Christian Fellowship)
- MEOR at Emory
- Muslim Students Association
- Orthodox Christian Fellowship
- Reformed University Fellowship (PCA)
- Secular Student Alliance
- Sikh Students Association
- UKirk Atlanta (PCUSA)
- Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy: Chaplain Office Hours in AMUC 125
Monday-Friday starting Wednesday, August 27, Noon-2:00 pm, AMUC 125
Emory University Chaplaincy chaplains are available Monday through Friday from approximately Noon-2 pm during term in AMUC Suite 125 to offer pastoral care and have meetings with students, faculty, and staff. The general schedule is below and may vary semester to semester.
- Monday: Rev. Maddie Herlong
- Tuesday: Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman
- Wednesday: Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov
- Thursday: Pandit Rajeev Persaud
- Friday: Rabbi Jordan Braunig
To schedule a time with a chaplain outside of these hours, please contact them directly here.
| |
Religious Accommodations: List of Major Religious Holidays 2025-26
| |
Emory OSRL seeks to provide guidance for the Emory community regarding upcoming religious holiday observances that may impact the community by providing a list of major religious holidays observed by sizeable religious demographic groups within the Emory community. These are provided in order to assist community members with avoiding potential schedule conflicts. For more information, please click here. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy News: Pre-Orientation Programs Build Foundation for Incoming Eagles
With roughly half of the undergraduate Class of 2029 participating in pre-orientation programs and International Student Welcome, Emory’s newest students are diving headfirst into new experiences and making friends before classes have commenced. Learn more about the impact of Welcoming Interfaith and Spiritual Exploration (WISE) and other pre-orientation programs on incoming students. Read more about pre-orientation here.
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy News: The perfect pulpit: new ‘minbar’ a sign of Emory’s thriving Muslim community
While leading salat al-Jumu’ah — Muslim Friday prayers — in Cannon Chapel, rising sophomore and imam Suhayb Ahmedin noticed he was having a hard time seeing the full congregation. Thankfully, Rahimjon Abdugafurov, Emory’s Muslim chaplain and director of interfaith academic partnerships, already had a solution in the works. In early 2025, he suggested that the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life commission a custom minbar — a stairway used as a pulpit in Islamic worship services — from Atlanta artisans. Read more about the new minbar here.
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy News: Seeking the spirit of the Silk Road: Interfaith journey takes students to Uzbekistan
Eleven Emory students traveled to Uzbekistan through the Journeys of Reconciliation program to learn about the country’s interfaith history and explore its vibrant culture, full of stunning architecture, delectable eats and diverse religious traditions. Read more about the trip here.
| |
Emory University Chaplaincy Recap: Anatomy Lab Chaplaincy Program Service of Gratitude
On Tuesday, August 5, Emory OSRL hosted a service of gratitude for medical students who just completed their learning in the anatomy lab. This is an occasion for the class to offer respect and gratitude to those who donated their bodies for their medical studies. The reflections, poems, music shared were beautiful.
Learn more about the Anatomy Lab Program here.
| |
Register Today: Emory University Chaplaincy Homecoming and Family Weekend Events
October 23-26, 2025
Join the Emory University Chaplaincy for many spiritual programs and festive receptions over Homecoming and Family Weekend. Find our table at the Food and Music Festival on Saturday, October 25 from Noon-4:30 pm on the Quad; attend one of our spiritual gatherings hosted by our Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim chaplains throughout the weekend; and don't miss the Voices of Inner Strength Gospel Choir 40th Reunion Celebration on Friday, October 24 from 5:30-7:30 pm in Ackerman Hall.
A list of the events and registration info can be found here.
| |
Emory Jewish Life: Daily Creative Prompts for Elul with Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Jordan Braunig
For the fourth year running, Jewish Studio Project is honored to partner with Rabbi Jordan Braunig to offer daily writing prompts throughout Elul. Each evening, receive an invitation to pause, put pen to paper, and embark on the sacred journey toward the Days of Awe. Sign up here to receive the prompts in your inbox at 9 pm ET. For questions, contact jordan.braunig@emory.edu.
| |
Year of Compassion
Compassion Shift Launch: September 30-October 1, 2025
The Year of Compassion is a yearlong celebration hosted by Emory College of Arts and Sciences, dedicated to empathy, healing, and human connection. This initiative invites faculty, staff, and students to explore how compassion is expressed through teaching, research, creative work, service, and daily interactions.
| |
Move-In Jumu'ah Prayers
Friday, August 22 1:55 p.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for ongoing Friday Prayers as you return to campus. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here.
| |
Hillel at Emory: Move-in Shabbat
Friday, August 22, Services 6:30 p.m., Dinner, 7:00 pm., Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322
Join Hillel at Emory for Shabbat services and dinner and connect with other incoming Jewish students and families. For questions, and to RSVP (appreciated), please contact Hillel at Emory director Lee Shaffer at lee@emoryhillel.org.
| |
Chabad at Emory: Move-In Shabbat Service and Dinner
Friday, August 22, 7:30 pm services, 8:00 p.m. dinner, 1500 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30306
| |
Jewish Life Bagel Brunch for Students and Families
Sunday, August 24, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Marcus Hillel Center, 735 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA
Students and families are invited to attend the annual Bagel Brunch to explore Jewish life opportunities at Emory, including through Chabad, Hillel, MEOR, and Emory OSRL. Families welcome. For questions, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
| |
University Catholic Center: Sunday Mass
Sunday, August 24, 9:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel
Join us for Sunday Mass on-campus during this orientation weekend. Stay after Mass to meet student leaders and staff members from the University Catholic Center over coffee and donuts with the Emory University Chaplaincy.
| |
Christian Life at Emory Reception: Coffee and Pastries
Sunday, August 24, 10:00-11:00 a.m., Cannon Chapel’s Brooks Commons
Emory’s Catholic and Protestant communities welcome you to a shared reception after 9 am Mass and before 11 am Protestant Worship in Cannon Chapel. Come for coffee, pastries and fruit and learn about Christian Life at Emory.
For more information, please contact Emory Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
| |
Beloved Community Christian Worship
Sunday, August 24, 11:00 a.m Service, Cannon Chapel
Emory Beloved Community is a weekly ecumenical Protestant worship service for the campus community, held in Cannon Chapel. All are welcome.See below for a full preacher schedule for this upcoming semester.
| |
Beloved Community Bible Study
Tuesdays, Starting September 9, 6:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center, 1707 N. Decatur Road
For questions, please contact Christian Chaplain Rev. Maddie Herlong at mhend25@emory.edu.
| |
Buddhist Meditation
Thursday, August 28, 6:00 p.m. Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join the Emory Buddhist community in guided meditation and discussion. Come to meditate, to make friends, and to learn about Buddhist life at Emory. Contact: Buddhist Chaplain Ven. Priya Rakkhit Sraman, psraman@emory.edu.
| |
Welcome Back Muslim Jumu'ah Prayers and Halal Lunch
Friday, August 29, Prayers 1:55 p.m., Lunch 2:30 pm, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a special Welcome Back Friday Prayers as you return to campus, which will be followed by a hot halal lunch in Brooks Commons with the Refugee Women's Network. Join the Emory Muslim Life elist here. For questions, please contact Ustadh Dr. Rahimjon Abdugafurov.
| |
Hindu Aarthi
Friday, August 29, 5:00 p.m., Cannon Chapel Sanctuary
Join Emory's Hindu community for weekly prayers and community. All are welcome.
| |
Additional Fall Welcome Programs
| |
Muslim Students Association: Ice Cream Social
Friday, August 29, 3:00 pm (immediately after Jumu'ah prayers and Ummah lunch), Cannon Chapel Underpass
Every year, the Muslim Students Association (MSA) welcomes new Muslim undergraduates at the start of the academic year with a special event following the first Jumu'ah prayers. This year, we will be hosting an Ice Cream Social immediately after Jumu'ah to introduce new students to Emory MSA, share our mission, and highlight opportunities to get involved. For questions, please contact muhammad.rizwan@emory.edu.
| |
Hillel at Emory: Welcome Week Events
Welcome Week is Here! We’ve got a week full of events to kick off the semester, meet new friends, and make amazing memories.
Check out all the flyers for details — mark your calendars, grab your friends, and come join us!
We can’t wait to see you at Hillel. Learn more here.
| |
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Free Student Lunch
Sunday, August 24, Noon, Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, 1660 N Decatur Rd
College and graduate students are invited to a free lunch to kick off the new year at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church on August 24, immediately following our 11 am Sunday worship service. Lunch will be in the Fellowship Hall, located at 1660 N Decatur Rd. Reach out to Sutton Smith, Director of Young Adult Ministries, at 334-707-1486 with questions, concerns, or dietary needs. We look forward to seeing you there. Learn more here.
| |
Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church: Sunday Worship Services
Sundays, 8:30 am and 11:00 am, Glenn Memorial Church
Welcome back students! Glenn Memorial UMC invites you to worship with us. A short walk to the edge of campus, Glenn has a thriving young adult group, and we welcome newcomers anytime. Are you an early riser to get a head start on homework? The 8:30 service might be for you. Do you sleep in on Sundays? We'll catch you at 11:00 am. There is a place for you at Glenn, and we'd love to help you find it.
For more info about worship or young adult ministry, visit our website here https://www.glennumc.org/young-adults or contact Director of Young Adult Ministries Sutton Smith at 334-707-1486.
| |
Reformed University Fellowship: Welcome Events
We are so looking forward to students returning. Mark your calendars for these events next week so you can come by and see us. Learn more here.
| |
International InterVarsity Fellowship
Our summer activities ended and our new school year is about to start. Please check and sign up for our coming activities here.
| |
Bread Coffeehouse: Open House
Wednesday, August 27, 12:00-2:00 p.m., Bread Coffeehouse, 1227 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30307
Join us for an Open House and come see the house, play some games, drink some coffee, and enjoy a treat. Learn more here. Stay tuned for more details regarding a kick off party on September 4 at 7:15 pm. Regular DBSs will begin September 11 at 7:15 pm.
| |
MEOR: Sushi Social
Thursday, August 28, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Underpass
| |
Emory InterVarsity GCF: August Welcome Dinner
Friday, August 29, 7:00 p.m., Brooks Commons, Cannon Chapel
Join us for a time of fellowship to welcome back returning members and meet new faces. All grad students are welcome, regardless of program or religious background. This is a perfect time to invite someone new. For more information, and to RSVP, please email
| |
Muslim Students Association: Welcome Back Gala
Friday, Septmber 12, 6:00 pm, ESC MPRs
Join Emory MSA for our Annual Welcome Back Gala on Friday, September 12 from 6–9pm.
Kick off the semester with good food, fun games, exciting giveaways, and the chance to meet new and familiar faces in the Muslim community. Whether you're a returning student or new to Emory, this is the perfect way to celebrate the start of the year. Learn more here.
| |
Hindu Students Association: Garba
Friday, September 19, 7:00-11:00 p.m., ESC MPRs
Garba is a Gujarati festival that takes place during the nine-day Hindu celebration of Navratri. The Hindu Students Association (HSA) has been hosting a university-wide Garba for the past 12 years, making it our biggest special event. In recent years, we’ve welcomed over 600 attendees, bringing together students, faculty, and community members.
Our Garba includes an aarti (small Hindu prayer), performances by on-campus dance groups, three types of open dance floors (Garba, Dandiya, and Bollywood), a full catered dinner, and a South Asian DJ. Emory HSA strives to ensure that Garba is accessible to anyone who would like to attend. The event is held at the Emory Student Center, at the heart of campus, and is completely free. Learn more here.
| |
Weekly Spiritual Gatherings
| |
There are a plethora of weekly religious and philosophical gatherings offered at Emory. Many of them are listed here and at the button below.
Check back for more weekly gatherings as the semester gets started.
| |
Buddhist Worship
Tuesdays during Term Starting September 2, 1:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Shrine Room, 1707 N Decatur Road
Welcome to the weekly Buddhist worship service where we recite traditional Buddhist chants/texts. We will gather in the Shrine Room of the Emory Interfaith Center for contemplation, worship, and discussion if there is any question regarding the practice/chant/text.
Chants/texts in Pali and English will be available. If you prefer a text in a different language (e.g. Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, etc.) please reach out to Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Sraman in advance. No prior Buddhist background is required to attend and we welcome all Emory students interested in learning more about Buddhism or connecting with the Buddhist community.
For questions, please contact Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Sraman at psraman@emory.edu.
| |
Mindfulness Circle at Interfaith Center
Mondays starting September 8, 6:00-7:00 p.m., Emory Interfaith Center Meditation Room, 1707 N. Decatur Road
Facilitated by Emory Buddhist Chaplain Venerable Priya Rakkhit Sraman, the Mindfulness Circle is a space exclusively for Emory students to practice mindfulness as a group. Every Monday during the semester, we will engage in a mindfulness exercise followed by conversations around the practices of mindfulness. Light refreshments will be provided.
| |
Emory Orthodox Christian Fellowship Faith and Falafel
Every Wednesday starting September 10, 7:30 p.m., Cannon Chapel Room 314
Come for the falafel, stay for the conversation. Join us every Wednesday night from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Cannon Chapel 314 for free falafel sandwiches, fellowship, and rich discussion.
Bring youself, your friends, and a curious mind. All are welcome, no matter your faith. Join us as we get to know each other, study the spiritual life of the apostles, and grow in Christ together–week by week. We can't wait to meet you–each week brings something new. You can learn more or RSVP here or email samuel.salameh@emory.edu.
| |
Collegiate Black Christians: Weekly Bible Study
Wednesdays starting September 3, Cannon Chapel 106
| |
Interfaith Atlanta: Interfaith Fall Festival
Sunday, September 14, 2:30-5:00 p.m., Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030
Save the Date: We are so excited to present our 5th annual Interfaith Festival. Join us for entertainment, food, friendship, community service, and music. Learn more here.
| |
Compassionate Atlanta: Peace Pop-Up
Saturday, September 21, 3:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Waller's Coffee Shop
| |
World River Day: Interfaith Creek Cleanup
Sunday, September 28, 2:00-4:00 p.m., Six Metro Atlanta Sites
Join Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Adamah Atlanta, and Ismaili CIVIC on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. for a special interfaith creek cleanup across six metro Atlanta sites. This meaningful cleanup celebrates World Rivers Day, Reverse Tashlich, and Global Ismaili CIVIC Day—three powerful traditions of service, reflection, and environmental care. World Rivers Day highlights the international importance of our rivers and inspires renewed commitment to protecting them. In Reverse Tashlich, Jewish communities turn ritual into action by removing human “sin” (pollution) from waterways and offering a clean start to the new year. And Global Ismaili CIVIC Day calls Ismaili Muslims to serve their communities worldwide through volunteerism. Together, communities of all faiths are invited to act upon a shared ethic of environmental stewardship and care for our Common Home. All living creatures deserve clean water
Cleanup sites include Cobb County, the Chattahoochee River, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve, Fulton County Public Works, Mason Mill Park, and the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
| |
Undergraduate Student Involvement Fair 2025
September 3-4, 2025, 8:00-10:00 p.m., McDonough Field
Are you just eager to get involved and see how organizations can benefit both you and the community? Come to the 2025 Fall Student Involvement Fair to learn more about student organizations on campus. Registered Student Organizations (RSO) will be there showcasing what they do and how you can get involved. You will get to meet individual members of organizations and ask any questions you have. Involvement opportunities are in abundance on this campus and there is definitely something for everyone at Emory. Register on the hub.
| |
Center for Ethics: Ethics Across Traditions: Atonement and Repentance
Thursday, September 11, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Center for Ethics Room 102
Wrongdoing, suffering, and repairing are part and parcel of the human condition. Yet these are variably understood across traditions. Some traditions speak of such experiences in terms of transgression and atonement, others use terms like sin, guilt, and repentance. Forgiveness and reconciliation, dignity and humility, vulnerability and trust mix and mingle in this eternal pursuit to mend profound wounds. Come and hear this conversation between scholars of religion, theology, and ethics. Learn more here.
| |
Pastoral Leadership in a Time of Christian Nationalism
Public Lectures | September 24-25, 2025 | In person or onlin
In a time when Christian nationalism is gaining both cultural and political traction, the work of pastoral leadership requires renewed theological reflection, moral clarity, and prophetic courage. Candler is hosting this set of four public lectures to start conversations and offer resources to equip pastors and church leaders to respond faithfully to the challenges posed by this growing movement.
All lectures are free and open to the public in both in-person and virtual formats, with advance registration required. Learn more, and register, here.
| |
Upcoming Religious Holidays
These events are drawn from the multifaith calendar maintained by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at Harvard Divinity School. To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, please click here.
| |
Paryushana Festival
Ongoing through Wed., Aug. 27, 2025
Tradition: Jainism
Considered the holiest period of the year, these eight days are marked for Jains by fasting, meditation, prayer. and public readings of the life story of Lord Mahavira. Observed especially by the followers of the Shvetambara sect, Paryushana concludes on Samvatsari, the most solemn occasion of self-scrutiny and forgiveness. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Tue., Aug. 26, 2025
Tradition: Hinduism
A celebration of Ganesh’s birthday, one of the major Hindu deities. Ganesh, who has the head of an elephant, is the God of Success and is invoked at the beginning of all new undertakings.
Das Laxana Festival
Thu., Aug. 28 – Sat., Sep. 6, 2025
Tradition: Jainism
A 10-day festival that is considered to be a holy convocation. During these days, Jains impose some restraints on their daily activities by fasting, meditation, and prayer. The last day of Paryushana is the most solemn occasion of forgiveness and the examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings. On this day, Jains ask for forgiveness from their relatives and friends for any offense they may have committed by deed, word, or thought.
| |
|
Emory University Chaplaincy ENews is published weekly during term by the Emory University Chaplaincy, publicizing Atlanta-campus spiritual life programs. It is not a comprehensive listing. For Oxford College spiritual life, please click here. To submit information or to update your preferences, please contact religiouslife@emory.edu.
| |
|
|
|
|
