July 11, 2012
Following a nationwide search, John Garvey, President of The Catholic University of America, has appointed Very Rev. Mark Morozowich , associate professor, as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies, effective July 1, 2012.
"It gives me great pleasure to appoint Father Mark Morozowich as dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies," said President Garvey. "Father Morozowich has the skills and the experience to lead our University's oldest school, and to address the challenge of leadership in the Church's intellectual life. Father Morozowich is the first Eastern Catholic to head the school. Symbolically, this demonstrates The Catholic University of America's commitment to Blessed John Paul II's vision of the Church 'breathing with two lungs' - both Eastern and Western rites."
Provost James Brennan stated that "Father Morozowich's leadership during the past academic year as acting dean clearly demonstrated his vision for the school and his considerable talents in building faculty relations and support for students. I believe that the school will continue to prosper, and the University will benefit, from his experience as a scholar and academic leader. "
Father Morozowich joined the theology and religious studies faculty in 2003 as an assistant professor of liturgical studies and sacramental theology. He completed his doctoral work at the Oriental Institute in Rome where he earned the Doctorate in Eastern Christian Studies with a specialization in liturgy. He served as associate dean for seminary and ministerial programs from July 2006 to June 2011 and as acting dean of the school since July 2011.
"The School of Theology and Religious Studies maintains the highest standards of scholarly excellence and I am privileged to be given this opportunity to assist in directing the future of this noble endeavor," said Father Morozowich. "I look forward to capitalizing on our strengths and assisting our students and professors in their pursuit of excellence in their studies. I am humbled that I have been given this opportunity to serve my colleagues in our common task of scholarly enrichment of the Catholic intellectual tradition."
Father Morozowich researches the historical development of the liturgical year in Byzantine tradition with a concentration on Holy Week as well as themes of sacramental theology in the patristic period and its relationship with liturgical history. He has written on pastoral implications of liturgical studies and their effect on Eastern churches today.
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