Sacred Text and Interpretation: Perspectives in Orthodox Biblical Studies

by Theodore G. Stylianopoulos, Savvas Agouridēs

""This volume celebrates and exemplifies the vitality of current biblical scholarship in the Orthodox tradition. On the one hand, these essays show the now common acceptance and mastery of historical criticism by Orthodox scholars. On the other hand, the collection as a whole is distinguished by the traditional Orthodox engagement with patristic sources, and also by a concern for hermeneutical issues. This is a worthy tribute to Savas Agourides, who has labored for more than half a century to promote critical biblical scholarship in the Orthodox world."
John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament, Yale University"

418 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2007

About the author

Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos has taught at Hellenic College and Holy Cross since 1967, specializing in the New Testament and also teaching courses in the areas of Orthodox theology and spirituality. He became tenured professor of New Testament in 1979 and was named the Archbishop Iakovos Professor of Orthodox Theology in 2003.

His main academic interests include the theology of the Gospel of John, the life and thought of St. Paul, the origins and growth of the early Church in its relationship to Jews and Gentiles, the spirituality of scripture and tradition, and the hermeneutical issues pertaining to the gospel, scripture, tradition, Church, Christian mission and pastoral life.

Fr. Stylianopoulos's introductory book on Orthodox hermeneutics entitled The New Testament: An Orthodox Perspective, Vol. 1, Scripture, Tradition Hermeneutics (Brookline: Holy Cross Press (1997) has been translated into Arabic and Ukrainian and is forthcoming in Russian. He is also the author of The Good News of Christ (1991) and The Way of Christ: Gospel, Spiritual Life and Renewal in Orthodoxy (2002).

Over his many years Fr. Stylianopoulos has been engaged in extensive ecumenical work as official Orthodox representative through organizations and dialogues, has lectured in various colleges and universities, and has conducted numerous retreats in Orthodox parishes throughout the United States and Canada. Throughout his ordained life (since 1965) he has also pastored several parishes in New England, including St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Keene, N.H. (1978-to present).