About Us

Introduction

The Dionysius Circle is an academic community dedicated to advancing the study of the Eastern Patristic tradition, with particular emphasis on the works of St. Dionysius the Areopagite. Our primary goal is to promote specifically philosophical engagement with the Eastern Patristic tradition. While we emphasize Dionysius, we also explore the thought of other key figures like St. Maximus the Confessor and St. Gregory of Nyssa, as well as related traditions like Neoplatonism and mysticism. By combining digital tools with traditional methods, we aim to foster rigorous philosophical inquiry into these rich and complex traditions.

Scholarly and Public Engagement: 

We aim to deepen both academic and public understanding of Eastern Patristic theology. While highlighting St. Dionysius the Areopagite’s integration of Greek philosophy with Christian thought, we also emphasize the insights of other Eastern Fathers like St. Maximus the Confessor and St. Gregory of Nyssa. Through symposia, workshops, and collaborations with academic journals, we foster scholarly exchange and philosophical inquiry. We also use social digital platforms like YouTube and Spotify to broaden awareness of Eastern Fathers and relevant themes such as apophatic theology, mysticism, and the fusion of classical Greek philosophy with Christian thought.

Methodology and Approach: 

We organize symposia, workshops, panel discussions, and conferences—both virtual and in-person—to foster scholarly dialogue. Collaboration between junior and senior scholars is central to our mission, creating a community of rigorous academic inquiry focused on engaging the Eastern Fathers from a philosophical perspective. We advance research on the Eastern Patristic tradition through partnerships with academic journals and the publication of special issues, promoting deeper exploration of these rich theological and philosophical traditions.

Conclusion:

The Dionysius Circle is committed to deepening philosophical engagement with the Eastern Patristic tradition. We aim not only to foster scholarly discourse but also to introduce a wider audience to the Eastern Patristic tradition and related traditions, such as Neoplatonism. By integrating digital technology with traditional scholarly methods, we cultivate a dynamic intellectual community that enhances appreciation for the profound philosophical and theological insights of the Eastern Fathers.

• Sam Bennett, PhD student, University of Georgia; Instructor at Western Governor's University

• Jack Boczar, MA student, Dominican House of Studies

• Dominic V. Cassella, PhD student, Catholic University of America

• Marcus Hines, PhD, University of Georgia  

• Alex Newell, MA, University of Georgia

• Carson Shaw, PhD, Boston University

• Dimitrios A. Vasilakis, Assistant Professor, University of Ioannina

• Miklós Vassányi, University Professor, Károli Gáspár University

Advisory Board

• Dimitrios A. Vasilakis, Assistant Professor, University of Ioannina

• Justin Willson, Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Art History Leadership at the Cleveland Museum of Art and Case Western Reserve University

Leadership Team

President: Sam Bennett

Vice President: Carson Shaw

Secretary: Jack Boczar

Treasurer: Dominic V. Cassella