About Us

Introduction

The Dionysius Circle is an academic community dedicated to exploring the work of St. Dionysius the Areopagite and his profound impact on Christian philosophy and theology. Our primary mission is to enhance scholarly engagement with the Corpus Dionysiacum and its rich commentarial tradition, showcasing its influence across various theological and philosophical domains. Additionally, we aim to use digital tools to encourage broader philosophical engagement with not only the Dionysian tradition, but Christian and especially Patristic thought in general. 

Scholarly and Public Engagement:

Our mission is to deepen both academic and public understanding of Dionysian theology and philosophy. We organize symposia, workshops, panel discussions, and collaborate with academic journals to publish special issues, fostering rigorous academic exchanges. These initiatives are open to anyone interested in the Dionysian tradition. We also use digital platforms to expand public knowledge of St. Dionysius and associated traditions, which include mystical and apophatic theology, patristics, and the integration of classical Greek philosophy with Christianity. We support dialogues among various Christian denominations—Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and others—as well as engage with relevant non-Christian perspectives.

Philosophical Theology and Community:

The Dionysius Circle serves as a vibrant hub for Christian philosophical theology, especially those streams of the tradition either influenced by or consonant with Dionysius. We view Dionysius not just as a historical figure but as an ongoing source of spiritual and intellectual growth. We particularly encourage participation from those who bridge the Christian intellectual life with ecclesiastically grounded practice.

Methodology and Approach:

We organize various events such as symposia, workshops, panel discussions, and both virtual and in-person conferences to foster rich scholarly and philosophical dialogue. We place a strong emphasis on collaboration and engagement between junior and senior scholars. Central to our mission is advancing rigorous academic work on the Dionysian tradition through partnerships with academic journals and the publication of special issues.

Conclusion:

The Dionysius Circle strives to promote meaningful dialogue on the works of St. Dionysius the Areopagite, emphasizing his significant role in both Western and Eastern Christian traditions. Our goal is to introduce a wider audience to the Dionysian corpus and its influential commentators, like St. Maximus the Confessor, St. Gregory Palamas, and Nicholas of Cusa, as well as to inspire philosophical engagement with the Christian tradition more broadly. We strive to cultivate dynamic discourse among scholars, theologians, and religious practitioners by combining digital technology with traditional scholarly methods, ultimately deepening appreciation of St. Dionysius’s impact on Christian thought and practice.

• 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