Right Rev. Professor Jack Khalil
About
Professional Summary
A distinguished academic leader and Professor of New Testament Studies with over 25 years of experience in higher education and ecclesiastical service. Currently serving as the Dean of the St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology at the University of Balamand, he oversees undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. He recently concluded a successful mandate as President of the Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME) from 2022 to 2025, a period in which he drove regional theological advancement. A prolific researcher with a Ph.D. from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, his expertise encompasses Biblical Exegesis, New Testament theology, and international ecumenical relations, supported by an extensive record of multilingual publications and active membership in the World Council of Churches' Central Committee.
Education
Ph.D. in Theology
2003Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece — under Prof. Ioannis Karavidopoulos
Doctoral Coursework & Research
1999 – 2002Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany — under Prof. Dr. Otfried Hofius
Bachelor of Theology
1998University of Balamand, Lebanon
Licentiate in Business Administration (Maîtrise Equivalent)
1991Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, Lebanon
Languages
Arabic
Native Proficiency (Mother Tongue)
Modern Greek
Near-Native Proficiency — Highest Distinction, Center of Modern Greek Studies, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; language of university instruction
French
Fluent / Professional Proficiency — language of primary, secondary, and university-level education
English
Fluent / Professional Proficiency — language of university-level research and instruction
German
Advanced Proficiency — completed Mittelstufe II and three years of graduate-level coursework
Ancient Greek
Advanced Research Proficiency
Ancient Hebrew
Advanced Research Proficiency
Syriac
Basic Reading Proficiency
Administrative Leadership
Dean
2020St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand
Executive Governance: direct all academic, financial, and administrative operations for the Institute, ensuring institutional alignment with the University of Balamand's strategic mission. Institutional Accreditation: successfully spearheaded the development and accreditation of the PhD in Theology program. Digital Transformation: overseeing the modernization of pedagogical tools and the expansion of distance-learning initiatives. International Diplomacy: represents the Institute at high-level ecumenical and academic forums.
Coordinator, Master of Theology Program
2013 – 2020Spearheaded the development of the Master's Program Rules and Regulations; led the multi-disciplinary team responsible for establishing the program's Mission, Objectives, and Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs).
Chairman, Research Committee
2019 – 2020Oversee the strategic direction of research initiatives and scholarly output within the Institute. Previously Chairman of Research and Publications Committee, 2010–2013 & 2006–2007.
Coordinator, KALIMA E-Learning Program
2010 – 2013
Academic Appointments
Professor of New Testament Studies
2020St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand
Associate Professor (Full-Time)
2011 – 2020St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand
Associate Professor (Part-Time)
2010 – 2011St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology, University of Balamand
Professor, Philosophy and Archaeology Departments
2009 – 2014Lebanese University, Beirut
Leadership & Executive Roles
President
2022 – 2025Association of Theological Institutes in the Middle East (ATIME)
Co-chair, Orthodox Theological Institutions Group
2021 – 2023International Orthodox Theological Association (IOTA)
Member of the Central Committee
2013World Council of Churches (WCC)
Eastern Orthodox Representative, WCC Continuation Committee on "Ecumenism in the 21st Century"
2007 – 2012
Institutional Service & Governance
Member, Institute Council
2011St. John of Damascus Institute of Theology
Contribute to the governance and decision-making processes of the Institute. Also served 2005–2007.
Member then Director, Doctoral Academic Committee
2011Served as a member of the Founding Team responsible for the strategic launch and accreditation of the Doctoral program.
Member, Editorial Committee of "Annals"
2011Review and select scholarly contributions for the Institute's official academic journal. Also served 2004–2007.
Member, University of Balamand (UOB) Senate
2011 – 2013Represented the Institute in the University's primary legislative and advisory body. Also served 2005–2007.
Member, University Research Council
2011 – 2013
Professional Recognitions & Prestigious Invitations
Governmental Appointment: Full Professor, Lebanese University
2014Formally appointed to a Full-Time Professorship by the Lebanese Government; elected to remain at the University of Balamand to continue teaching within the Institute of Theology.
Selected Lectureship: IOCS & The Cambridge Theological Federation, UK
2008 – 2009Successfully selected for a Half-time Lectureship at Cambridge following an international independent assessment committee. (Invitation declined due to personal circumstances).
Editorial & Scientific Boards
Consulting Editorial Board
Sacrum Testamentum (International Theological Journal)
Editorial Board, Faith and Order Digital Edition
2016World Council of Churches (WCC)
Editorial Committee, Biblia
2005Biblical Federation in Lebanon
Member, APELLA
System for election and promotion of Professors, Athens and Thessaloniki
Member, Revision Committee of the van-Dyck – Boustani Arabic Bible Translation
2006 – 2011
International Commissions & Societies
Theological Commission on "Faith and Order", WCC
2014Convener of Study Group 2: "The Church: Toward a Common Vision".
Hellenic Society of Biblical Studies
2003Biblical Federation in Lebanon
2004Biblicum of the University of Thessalonica
1998
Conference Leadership & Organization
Head of Organizing Committee
2025 – 2025Antioch and Early Christianity: From the Apostolic Proclamation to the Nicene Faith, Thessaloniki, Greece
Head of Organizing Committee
2023 – 20251st, 2nd, and 3rd ATIME Students Conferences, Cairo, Egypt
Head of Organizing Committee
2023 – 2023The Orthodox Church of Antioch from the 15th to the 18th Century, University of Balamand
Member of the Steering Committee
2022 – 2022Ecumenical Perspectives on Climate Change, MECC and ATIME, Beirut
Organizing Committee
2020Studia Theologica Doctoralia – International Symposium
Organizing Committee
2007 – 2008
Awards & Honors
Medal of St. Vladimir
Awarded by His Beatitude Metropolitan Vladimir of Kyiv and All Ukraine, during the 1,020th Anniversary Celebrations of the Baptism of Kievan Rus'
Medal of St. Paul
2007Awarded by His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria, Naoussa, and Kampania, at the 13th "Pavlia" International Congress
Valedictory Accolade and Award of Patriarch Ignatius IV
1998University of Balamand — awarded to the graduating student with the highest cumulative average (1997–1998)