Andreopoulos, Andreas 1966-

views updated

Andreopoulos, Andreas 1966-

PERSONAL:

Born 1966. Education: Doctoral degree.

ADDRESSES:

Office—University of Wales, Lampeter, College St., Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7ED, United Kingdom. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER:

Educator, theologian, and writer. University of Wales, Lampeter, lecturer and assistant director of distance learning; has taught in several universities in the United States and Canada.

WRITINGS:

He Triantaphyllia Kai He Kakia Magissa Chachapho: Periergo Paramythaki. Histories Gia Na Tis Diavazeis Kai Na Thymasai Pos Den Eisai Pia Paidi, Exantas (Athens, Greece), 1999.

Metamorphosis: The Transfiguration in Byzantine Theology and Iconography, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (Crestwood, NY), 2005.

Art as Theology: From the Postmodern to the Medieval, Equinox (London, England), 2006.

The Sign of the Cross: The Gesture, the Mystery, the History, Paraclete Press (Brewster, MA), 2006.

Contributor to books, including Literature and Theology, Volume 14/1, Oxford University Press, 2000; contributor to periodicals and professional journals, including the Journal of Modern Greek Studies, Byzantion, Mediaevalia, and New York.

SIDELIGHTS:

Andreas Andreopoulos is an educator and theologian whose primary interests are Orthodox theology, Greek patristics, iconology, Christian semiotics, and sacred art. In his 2006 book, The Sign of the Cross: The Gesture, the Mystery, the History, the author examines the famous Christian gesture in detail. Among his examinations is why the signing of the cross is performed left to right by Catholics but right to left by Orthodox Christians. He also examines the gesture's numerous meanings, including how its symbolism has evolved since the first days of Christianity. "Over time, Christians have imbued this small, simple gesture with volumes of theological meaning," wrote Nathan Bierma in an article on ChristianityToday.com. Bierma went on to provide examples: "Holding three fingers together—thumb, forefinger, and middle finger—as you make the sign symbolizes the Trinity. Holding the other two fingers against your palm represents the two natures of Christ, human and divine." In his book Andreopoulos also explores the history of other Christian symbols and signs, including their foundational influence on this religion. "Throughout, Andreopoulos' writing is as inspiriting as a restorative benediction," wrote Ray Olson in Booklist. A contributor to the National Catholic Reporter commented that the author "believes that the spirituality behind the sign of the cross is one of openness and community."