Mario Baghos

Mario Baghos is Senior Lecturer in Theology at the School of Philosophy & Theology, University of Notre Dame, Australia, Sydney Campus. He has held teaching positions at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College (2010–2017; 2020–2022), the University of Sydney, and Charles Sturt University, where he lectured in Studies in Religion and Theology.

His academic background includes a BTh(Hons), SCD, PhD studies in Religion from the University of Sydney, and a GradDipEd from the University of New England.

Mario Baghos specializes in:

• Doctrinal Theology (Christology, Trinitarian theology, Eschatology)
• Patristics and Church History
• Byzantine Studies, especially sacred topography and symbolism in Christian art and architecture
• Catholic Social Thought

His research explores the interplay between ecclesial memory and secular history, the theological significance of Constantinople as the 'New Rome,' and apocalyptic themes in early and medieval Christianity.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary scholarship combining theology, history, art, and urban studies. Key themes include:

• The symbolic and sacred geography of Constantinople
• Christological representations in Byzantine art
• The legacy of the Church Fathers (especially Gregory of Nazianzus, Athanasius, Cyril, and Gregory of Nyssa)
• The impact of Enlightenment thought on patristic reception
• Ecological theology and the roots of the modern crisis
• Apocalypticism across historical periods

His scientific awards include:

• The University of Sydney John Cooper Memorial Prize for best doctoral thesis (2014)
• Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) Scholarship (2010–2014)
• Multiple teaching commendations from Charles Sturt University and the University of Notre Dame
• Prizes for academic excellence in theology and graduate studies

Mario Baghos mentors students in theology and patristics, though specific advisees are not listed. He has secured research recognition through competitive scholarships and teaching awards. His work is supported by affiliations with the Australian Association for Byzantine Studies, the International Association for Patristic Studies, and the Catholic Scholars Guild. He has presented widely at national and international conferences and contributed to public discourse through media articles on theology, Tolkien, and Advent.

He leads research in sacred space, patristic theology, and Byzantine symbolism, often in collaboration with scholars such as Doru Costache and Philip Kariatlis. His forthcoming book, Remnants of New Rome: The Sacred Topography of Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire, promises to be a major contribution to the field.