DipTheol, BHScMPhysioPrac, MA(Theol)
Abraam first commenced theological studies with a Diploma in Theology at St Athanasius College and is now a sessional lecturer at SAC teaching units in early patristics and Orthodox theology.
He earned his Master of Arts (Theological Studies) from St Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York, graduating summa cum laude with a joint scholarship funded by SAC and St. Vladimir’s. He has since undertaken single units in classics at the University of Melbourne, in preparation for doctoral research in the early Greek Fathers.
His Master’s thesis is entitled “A Pastoral Response to the Pitfalls of Pleasure: The Paedagogy of Clement of Alexandria” and was supervised by the Very Rev Dr John Behr. His research papers are as varied as they are specific, covering such topics as:
“Studying Theology: A Student’s Reflection on Theological Studies,” A Journal of Theology and Ministry (2014:2), 49-51.
“A Battle of Kingdoms, with Growth and Victory at Stake: A Reflection on the Strong Man in Irenaeus’ Against the Heresies,” 2015.
“Review of Peter Brown, The World of Late Antiquity: AD 150-750 (London: The Folio Society, 2014),” 2015.
“The Little Church: The Human Person as Temple in Christian Ascetic Literature,” 2015.
“A Fusion of Horizons: Various Readings of Clementine and Epicurean Texts,” 2016. “Therapeutic Application of the Canonical Tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church to
Maintain a Coherent Internal Ecclesiology,” 2016.
“The Dialectic of Pleasure and Pain in Maximus the Confessor’s Ad Thalassium 61,”
2016.
“Theodicy: When the Trial Turns Sour,” 2016.
In his units, Abraam teaches the skills necessary for the study of ancient texts such that students learn to read (and not read into) them, analyse them and contextualise them. Students then learn to apply ancient wisdom to their own lives and the life of the church today.
Abraam is a volunteer youth leader at his local parish, leading Bible studies for young adults and is regularly invited to speak at spiritual retreats for high school students.