STYLIANOPOULOS, THEODORE

STYLIANOPOULOS, THEODORE, priest, Greek-American New Testament scholar, theologian, ecumenist (1937– ). Born in Messinia, Greece, he grew up in Seattle, Washington, and completed his B.A. in theology (1962) at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (q.v.). He obtained the S.T.M. in New Testament from Boston University School of Theology (1964) and the Th.D. in New Testament from Harvard Divinity School (1974).

Stylianopoulos has been active in ecumenical circles and interfaith dialogues with interest in Jewish-Christian relations, Orthodox-Roman Catholic relations, and the World Council of Churches, in which he served as a member of the Central Committee (1983–1990). He has received various grants and prizes and is a member of several professional societies. A well-known retreat master and lecturer, he is also the theological consultant to the Religious Education Department of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (q.v.) and a parish pastor.

Fr. Stylianopoulos is currently professor of New Testament and Orthodox spirituality at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (1967– ). In addition to these disciplines he specializes in Christian origins and early Christian literature, Old Testament and Judaism, as well as Greek philosophy and religion. He has taught as visiting professor and lecturer at numerous universities and colleges worldwide. An internationally known author, he has written and edited about a dozen books and more than thirty articles. His publications include Justin Martyr and the Mosaic Law (1975), Bread for Life: Reading the Bible (1980), Orthodox Perspectives on Pastoral Praxis (1988), and a collection of his articles, The Good News of Christ (1991).