University of St Andrews appoints first Orthodox theologian to historic Chair of Divinity

The University of St Andrews has appointed Professor Marcus Plested as the new 1643 Chair of Divinity. His appointment marks a historic moment for the institution: not only is he the first Orthodox theologian to hold this prestigious position, but it is believed to be the first time an Orthodox scholar has been appointed to a senior Divinity role in the University’s 613‑year history. 

Professor Plested’s research focuses on the Christian East, particularly patristic, Byzantine, and modern Orthodox theology, and on the dialogue between the Orthodox tradition and Western Christian thought. He has played a significant role in Orthodox–Catholic engagement, serving on the St Irenaeus Orthodox–Catholic Working Group and acting as the Orthodox consultant for the Vatican’s recent Bishop of Rome document. His work explores what this venerable theological tradition, often described as “pre‑modern” or “unmodern,” can contribute to contemporary questions in the modern world. 

Educated in London, Professor Plested studied modern history followed by theology at Merton College, Oxford. He taught for many years at the Institute for Orthodox Christian Studies and the Faculty of Divinity in Cambridge before moving to the US in 2013. 

 He has been a member of the Centre of Theological Inquiry and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ, and has taught, lectured, and published widely in patristic, Byzantine, and modern Orthodox theology. 

Of his appointment, Professor Plested, said: “As an Orthodox theologian, and the first non-Protestant to occupy this distinguished chair in all its long history, this position offers the perfect platform for me to continue pushing forward the conversation between Orthodox and Western theologies, both Protestant and Catholic, and indeed the modern secular world.” 

He added “The long history of St Andrews as a spiritual centre of and place of pilgrimage is also something that attracts me: St Andrews rose to prominence as the resting-place of the relics of the Apostle Andrew, brought into this far-flung corner of the Latin West out of the Greek East. I hope that my appointment will continue in some way this story of meeting and interaction between Greek East and Latin West.”  

Known as one of the most prestigious positions in theological study, the Chair of Divinity was established in 1643. 

Head of the School of Divinity and Principal of St Mary’s College at the University of St Andrews, Professor William Tooman, said: “St Mary’s has long been recognised as a community of bridge-builders: scholars committed to forging connections between theology and biblical studies, theology and the arts, and between divinity and the wider world. Marcus is a distinguished theologian and patristics scholar whose work has profoundly enriched contemporary understanding of the Christian East. His scholarship exemplifies this bridging vocation, bringing historical theology into fruitful dialogue with contemporary theological reflection and illuminating the enduring influence of early Christian thought on philosophy, doctrine, and spirituality today.” 

ENDS