Eschatology and future-oriented hermeneutics constitute a quite characteristic example of the fruitful encounter and exchange between the theological traditions of the Christian East and the West, initiated during the 20th century in the framework of the ecumenical dialogue. Zizioulas, since the beginning (late '60s), ascribed special importance and priority to the eschatological "outlook," which played a decisive role throughout his work. One would dare to say that he was destined to become the Orthodox theologian par excellence through his decisive focus on the importance of the eschaton for all aspects of Christian theology. In this light the speaker seeks first to focus on the foundations of Zizioulas eschatological vision, and the implication of this hermeneutic on the reading of tradition in relation to the ordination of women, gender issues etc.