Matthew Penney

Matthew Penney is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at Queen's University, completing his PhD in Education. He serves as the Faculty Director for the Certificate in Theological Studies at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary (Jordanville, NY), where he teaches online courses. He is also a parish priest at Dormition of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, Ontario. His research focuses on the interplay between secular and spiritual education in Byzantine contexts, exemplified by his dissertation on Saint Gregory Palamas.

• PhD (in progress) in Education, Queen's University
• M.A. in Theology (2013, Aristotle University)
• M.A. in Classics (2005, Dalhousie University)
• B.A. in Medieval Philosophy & Great Books (2004, St. Thomas University)

Research interests include Byzantine theology, Orthodox education, and the integration of classical and spiritual wisdom. He co-founded Lumination Press and authored young adult novels like Voyage to the Rock. Teaching experience spans South Korea (K-12 and university) and online theological education.

Awarded the 0000-0003-1388-811X ORCID identifier, he actively engages in academic and pastoral roles, including advising the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Queen’s University.