Marcus Plested

Marcus Plested serves as Professor of Greek Patristic and Byzantine Theology in the Department of Theology at Marquette University, where he has taught since 2013 after relocating from Cambridge, UK. His scholarly profile is anchored in advanced theological training at the University of Oxford under Metropolitan Kallistos Ware.

His research spans Greek Patristics, Byzantine Theology, Orthodox-Catholic dialogue, and Russian Sophiology, with particular emphasis on the reception of Thomas Aquinas within Eastern Orthodox tradition. This work directly informs his active participation in high-level ecumenical initiatives including the St Irenaeus Orthodox-Catholic Working Group and Vatican consultations on papal authority.

His five major monographs demonstrate a clear scholarly trajectory from early Christian monasticism through medieval philosophy to contemporary Orthodox theology, revealing consistent methodological rigor in historical analysis and cross-tradition engagement.

His academic recognition includes prestigious appointments at:

• Center of Theological Inquiry
• Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton

At Marquette, he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in historical theology while advising M.A. and Ph.D. candidates in the Department of Theology's advanced degree programs, maintaining active scholarly engagement through regular publications and ecumenical service.