January 29, 2024
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In a significant academic achievement, the Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS) has awarded the Doctorate in Orthodox Theology (PhD in Orthodox Studies) to Khouria Dalia Tinawi for her exceptional dissertation, titled “Deified by Providence Divine: Providence According to the Antiochian Fathers.”
Under the guidance of Fr. Michel Najim as the Dissertation Director, Professor Georgios Panagopoulos as the First Reader, and Rt. Rev. Jack Khalil as the Second Reader, Kh. Dalia Tinawi has successfully completed a comprehensive exploration of the Orthodox theology of Divine Providence according to the Antiochian Fathers.
Dissertation Details:
The 370-page dissertation delves into the intricate aspects of Divine Providence, covering themes such as God’s Provision, Love, Goodness, Wisdom, Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Governance. Tinawi’s research discusses Providence as the Actualization of Divine Will, exploring Providential Types of Divine Will and their connections to Human Will, as well as the Intervention of God to Purify Human Will.
Kh. Dalia Tinawi addresses the profound theological questions related to pain and pleasure, the relationship between pain and passions, and the providential role of pain in human experience. She highlights the significance of understanding the interplay between free will and providence, emphasizing the synergistic encounter between humanity and God.
Furthermore, the dissertation sheds light on the relevance of Providence in addressing challenges such as poverty, injustices, sickness, and death. It redefines death as a peaceful passage, emphasizing its role in averting perpetual sin and suffering, ultimately serving as a gateway to eternity.
Structure:
The structure of the dissertation follows a logical progression, comprising six chapters that explore providence in the context of pagan philosophy, divine judgment, the problem of evil, life challenges, and, most importantly, the theological crux of man’s deification through providence.
Kh. Dalia Tinawi’s work is commended for its formal presentation, adherence to the Turabian model, and a bibliography that spans multiple languages—French, English, and original Greek. The dissertation successfully revives the early Christian understanding of providence as a guiding force toward deification, offering solace and consolation in the face of contemporary concerns.
The dissertation defense, held on January 29, 2024, received a favorable opinion from the jury, and the President and Professor at the Antiochian House of Studies, V. Rev. Michel Najim, recommends the admission of Kh. Dalia Tinawi’s dissertation to the academic community.
Kh. Dalia Tinawi’s work contributes significantly to the ongoing research on Divine providence, addressing the often-neglected deifying component. It provides practical guidance, comfort, and a mindset rooted in the teachings of the early Christian Fathers for individuals facing challenges in the modern world.
The Antiochian House of Studies congratulates Kh. Dalia Tinawi on this remarkable accomplishment and wishes her continued success in her academic and theological pursuits.
It is worth mentioning that the Antiochian House of Studies is a Theological School in the United States of America and has full accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools (www.ats.edu) to offer numerous master’s and doctoral degrees in theological Studies like a Doctorate in Orthodox Theology, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Master of Divinity, and Many other Academic Programs.
following is a video of the defence session
