The Department of Middle Eastern Christian Studies
About the department
The Department of Middle Eastern Christian Studies encompasses the Syriac and Coptic Orthodox traditions and preserves the theological and cultural heritage of Christianity's oldest communities in the Middle East and North Africa.
Our program safeguards the unique liturgical languages, patristic traditions and spiritual customs that have sustained these churches through centuries of challenge and change. We provide students with deep knowledge in Eastern Christian theology while simultaneously developing the academic and pastoral skills required to serve Sweden's multicultural Orthodox communities.
Programs & Courses
More about the department
The department works on preserving and developing knowledge of the Middle Eastern Christian tradition through education, research and collaboration with church and academic institutions internationally.
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Syriac theology
The Department of Middle Eastern Christian Studies delves into the faith and spiritual life of the Syriac Orthodox Church, based on the Peshitta and the exegesis of the Church Fathers. Special attention is given to biblical studies, ecclesiology, liturgics, and patristics—four areas that together provide a comprehensive view of the church's doctrine and practice.
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Liturgical traditions
The department works with liturgical traditions within the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch, focusing on liturgical life, hymnody and liturgical recitation. Special attention is given to Church Fathers such as St Ephrem the Syrian and St Jacob of Serugh, whose hymns and poetry continue to shape the church's liturgical life and spirituality.
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Church History
Teaching in church history covers the emergence of the Syriac Orthodox Church, from the writings of the early Church Fathers to the life of the church in contemporary Sweden. Special attention is given to Church Fathers such as Aphrahat the Persian Sage, Bar Hebraeus, and St. Ephrem the Syriac, as well as how their heritage continues to shape faith and fellowship in the present day.
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The relationship between East and West within Christianity
The department explores the relationships between Eastern and Western Christian traditions through historical, theological and cultural perspectives. Special attention is given to dialogue, shared heritage and the differences that have shaped the development of Christianity through the centuries.
Faculty and Staff
Sebastian Kaya
sebastian.kaya@sanktignatios.org
Rafea Khalil
rafea.khalil@sanktignatios.org
The Very Reverend Dr Youhanon Habil
youhanon.habil@sanktignatios.org
Reverend Dr. Gabriel Bar-Sawme
gabriel.barsawme@sanktignatios.org
Johan Andersson
johan.andersson@sanktignatios.orgResearch and expertise
The department brings together researchers and teachers with particular expertise in Eastern Christian theology, liturgy, and cultural history. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, the department contributes to an increased understanding of the significance of Eastern Christian traditions in both historical and contemporary contexts.
