The Bishop of Future Horizons: The Life and Journey of Metropolitan John of Pergamon

by Bishop Maxim Vasiljević

This book offers an insightful exploration of the life, writings, and enduring intellectual legacy of the esteemed Orthodox theologian John Zizioulas. In this endeavor to capture the essence of Metropolitan John’s life, Bishop Maxim tread lightly upon the path of his vast journey, not with the ambition to chart its entirety in meticulous detail, but rather to illuminate the trail with chosen vignettes. Through these glimpses, he aspires to reveal the contours of a person deeply anchored in wisdom—a beacon of devotion and unwavering dedication to the unity of the Church and of humanity. Maxim’s narrative does not presume to unfurl every fold of John Zizioulas’ rich life tapestry; instead, it seeks to allow the very spirit of Metropolitan John to emerge, resplendent and vivid, from the stitches of these recounted moments. In this way, he invites readers to journey through a life not merely observed but profoundly felt, offering a window into the character of a man whose existence was a testament to the divine call for unity and love.

700 pages, hardbound

Bishop Maxim (Vasiljevic) was elected Bishop of Los Angeles and the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 2006. He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade, in 1993. He completed his Master of Theology at the University of Athens in 1996, and then three years later, in 1999, at the same university, he defended his doctorate in the field of Dogmatics and Patristics. He worked for one year on his post-doctorate in Paris and the Sorbonne in 2003-04, in the field of Byzantine History and Hagiography. During this time, he also delved in the theory and practical application of painting at the French Academy of Fine Arts in Paris. Bishop Maxim is a professor of Patristics and was teaching Christian Anthropology, Byzantine Philosophy, Canon Law, and Dogmatics at various universities and schools. He speaks Greek, French, Russian, and English. He was the editor of “Theology” – Journal of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, University of Belgrade. He also leads the Diocesan school of iconography and teaches at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston. Bishop Maxim’s scholarly books, studies, and articles include essays on Holy Fathers and Saints; he has also written on the hagiographical and iconographical themes.