John Meyendorff

John Meyendorff (born Ivan Feofilovich Meyendorf, February 17, 1926 – July 22, 1992) was a leading theologian of the Orthodox Church in America, as well as a writer and teacher. He served as the dean of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in the United States until June 30, 1992. Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, into Russian émigré nobility, Meyendorff completed his secondary education in France and his theological education at the St. Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris. He also earned degrees from the Sorbonne and the École pratique des Hautes Études. His doctoral thesis focused on the teachings of St. Gregory Palamas. Meyendorff held academic positions in France and later in the United States at institutions including Harvard University, Dumbarton Oaks, and Fordham University. He was ordained in 1959 and became a professor at St. Vladimir's Seminary, where he later served as dean. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Orthodox Church in America and was active in ecumenical efforts, including the World Council of Churches. Meyendorff authored numerous books on Orthodox theology, church history, and spirituality, translated into many languages. His work on Gregory Palamas significantly influenced Western understanding of Palamite theology. He died in Montreal, Canada, at the age of 66 from pancreatic cancer.