Justin Michael Smith
Education
Th.M., Patristic Theology, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology; M.A., Biblical Exegesis and Theology, Bethlehem College and Seminary; B.A., Biblical, Theological, and Early Christian Studies, Wheaton College
Year of Matriculation
2022
Contact
Areas of Interest
Byzantine ecclesiology; East-West Christian relations; Patristic theology and biblical exegesis
Profile
Justin Michael Smith is a first-year student in the Medieval Institute and focuses on areas of critical change in East-West Christian relations, especially as these developed in the East. Justin is particularly interested in Byzantine ecclesiology and its development during key historical moments in the middle and late-Byzantine periods, such as the Byzantine responses to papal primacy between the Second Council of Lyon (1274) and the Council of Ferrara-Florence (1438–1439). While formally trained in biblical exegesis and patristic theology, Justin seeks to approach East-West Christian relations holistically by integrating socio-political, theological, and ecclesiological factors and motivations.
Recent Scholarly Activity
- Presidential Fellowship, University of Notre Dame
- Excellence Award, Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology
- Invited Contributor: "Zacchaeus’ Tree: Luke 19:1-10," Exegetically Speaking: A Podcast on Biblical Languages by Wheaton College & Lanier Theological Library
- Master's Thesis, "The Consummation of Longing: St. Basil of Caesarea's Theological Gnoseology," Advisor: V. Rev. Archimandrite Maximos Constas