Liturgy Institute London

For a detailed and peaceful study of Liturgy

John Elie Semaan LMO

Fr John (Youhanna) Elie B. Semaan L.M.O. is a professor specialising in Syriac literature with expertise in editing and translating unpublished Syriac Patristic texts. He has 7 years’ experience supporting students, developing curricula, and managing assessments, consistently recognised for effective teaching and academic achievement.

Education

  • D. in Patristic Science, Augustinianum University, Rome (2023), summa cum laude. Dissertation: Four unpublished homilies by Isaac of Antioch. Moderators: Emidio Vergani & Sebastian P. Brock.
  • Master’s Theology in biblical Studies, Holy Spirit University, Kaslik (2013), summa cum laude : “Exodus” resonances in John 6:1-21.
  • Bachelor of Theology, Holy Spirit, Kaslik (2009).
  • Master’s Science in Electrical Engineering, CNAM University, Lebanon (2000).

Languages

Arabic, Syriac, French & Italian: Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English: Advanced (C1)
Ancient Greek: Upper intermediate (B2)
Latin: Upper intermediate (B2)
German & Spanish: Elementary (A2)

Publications

    • Italian translation and adaptation: A. BADWI et al., Le Syriaque pour tout le monde, vol. 1, Kaslik 1984.
    • SEMAAN, Elie B., A thought for every Week of the year, Rome 2021.
    • In progress: Italian translation of P. Daher, Saint Charbel a man inebriated by God.
    • Forthcoming: PhD, Brill: Christian Eastern Texts.

    Teaching Experiences (2018-present)

    • Lecturer: Syriac Fathers, Holy Spirit University (USEK), Kaslik Lebanon; Sacramental Dogmatic Theology, Anselmianum University, Rome; Syriac language, Liturgy institute, London & USEK.
    • Anselmianum University Rome, Italy (2018-Present) : “Syriac monasticism” (2018); “Christian initiation according to Syriac Fathers” & “The priesthood according to Syriac fathers” (2019-present).
    • Holy Spirit University (USEK), Kaslik, Lebanon (2022-Present): Seminaries : on John Chrysostom & Augustin (2022), On the Holy Spirit according to the Fathers (2025). Courses: Syriac Language and Culture (2022-Present); Oriental Patrology ( 2023-present).
    • Saint Charbel Monastery, Rome, Italy (2020): Syriac Language for Beginners.
    • Saint Cyprian and Justina Monastery, Kfifan, Lebanon (2023-present): Syriac language and culture for the LMO Noviciate.
    • Skills: Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions, and tracking student participation; variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations; Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions, and projects into lessons.

    Lebanese Maronite Order Priest (LMO) (2002-present)

    • 2023-2025: Religious in Saint Artemius Monastery, Qottara, Lebanon.
    • 2013-2022: Religious in Saint Charbel Monastery-Rome.
    • 2019-2022: Rector of Our Immaculate Lady, Church, Rome, for L.M.O.
    • 2010-2013 : Religious Assistant for Postulant L.M.O. in Our Lady of Victory Monastery, Ghousta- Lebanon.
    • 19 June 2010: Priest Ordination.
    • 10 July 2009: Deacon.
    • 17 January 2008: Permanent Vows.
    • 2004-2008: Philosophical and Theological formation, in Holy-Spirit University, Kaslik-Lebanon.
    • 10 July 2004: Temporary Vows.
    • 2002-2004: Monastic Formation in Saints Cyprian and Justina Monastery, Kfifan-Lebanon.