Axios to the Very Reverend Archpriest James Purdie, who has been appointed by His Eminence Metropolitan Saba to succeed the Very Reverend Archpriest John Finley as Chairman of the Department of Missions and Evangelism, following Fr. Finley’s retirement.
The Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS) is proud of Archpriest James for completing the two-year PhD program and for his ongoing work on a doctoral dissertation devoted to the Orthodox theology of mission. His research is being conducted under the supervision of the Very Reverend Fr. Gregory Edwards, who was appointed by Fr. Fadi Rabbat, Academic Dean of AHOS. In addition to his doctoral studies, Fr. James has served with distinction as a Teaching Assistant to Fr. Michel Najim, President of AHOS, particularly in the field of Patristics.
We give thanks to Almighty God, who has inspired His Eminence Metropolitan Saba to entrust this vital ministry to a well-qualified doctoral candidate formed within the academic rigor and spiritual life of the Antiochian House of Studies. We prayerfully extend our best wishes to Fr. James, his Khourieh, and their children as he undertakes this new responsibility, and we pray for his success in proclaiming and illuminating the light of Orthodox Christianity throughout North America.
| Very Reverend Fr. Michel Najim | Very Reverend Fr. Fadi Rabbat |
| President, Antiochian House of Studies | Academic Dean, Antiochian House of Studies |
Fr. James Purdie has long been associated with the Antiochian House of Studies, having earned the Saint Stephen’s Program Certificate and a Master’s degree in Orthodox Theology. He is currently enrolled in the AHOS doctoral program, where his studies focus on the theology of missions in the Orthodox Church. Fr. James is scheduled to take his doctoral preliminary examination this year. His academic work is directed by Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards, with the support of his first reader, Rev. Dr. Patrick Viscuso, and second reader, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Gergis.
Reflecting on his studies at AHOS, Fr. James stated: “The coursework and guidance that I have received from AHOS has honed my academic skills and enriched my understanding of our beautiful faith. More importantly, AHOS has allowed me to grow in my life in Christ.”
In addition to his academic work, Fr. James Purdie served as Moderator of the Orthodox Academic Symposium – 2023 (Summer Symposium).
