Maksim Damljanovic, a student of the Serbian Orthodox Church and a graduate of the Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS), received his Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree, with a minor in Byzantine music.

Maksim is the son of Rev. Deacon Milan and Mirjana Damljanovic; the brother of Makarije and Metodije; the grandson of the +V. Rev. Vasilije B. and Protinica Zagorka Sokolovic, and +Mileta and +Stoja Damljanovic; and the great-grandson of the Holy Priest-Martyr Budimir of Dobrun.

Graduate Maksim Damljanovic enrolled at the Antiochian House of Studies with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington–New York and Eastern America, beginning his studies in the fall of 2022. Before enrolling at AHOS, Maksim completed his undergraduate studies at Cleveland State University, where he majored in music.

During the three-year Master of Theological Studies program, his studies included Canon Law, Patristics, Doctrine, Liturgical Theology and Scripture. Maksim completed a master’s thesis titled: “Theological Foundations of the Incarnation: A Comparative Analysis of St. Irenaeus of Lyons and St. Athanasius the Great,” under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Mary Ghattas and the faculty at AHOS.

His Eminence Metropolitan Saba led the 2025 graduation ceremony, a celebration filled with reverence, joy, and thanksgiving.

Joining him were His Grace Bishop Thomas of the Diocese of Oakland, Charleston and the Mid-Atlantic; and His Grace Bishop Theodore of the Patriarchal Vicariate of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

His Eminence delivered an unscripted address from the heart, encouraging the graduates to apply their theological knowledge in ways that relate to the people they serve.

"By intellectualistic rhetoric or logical preaching, we often go over people's heads instead of offering a simple homily, like a mother's words to her child, which can be understood and expresses personal experience with God."

In his President's Address, V. Rev. Dr. Michel Najim reminded graduates of the sacred purpose of their studies, emphasizing that theology is not simply an academic pursuit but a spiritual calling. "We are not here merely to produce scholars," he said. "Our mission is to form servants of the Church who live the faith, not just study it."

Following him, Rt. Rev. Archimandrite Dr. Fadi Rabbat, Academic Dean, highlighted the lifelong journey of theological education. "Graduation is not an end," he stressed, "but the beginning of a deeper commitment to learning, to prayer, and to the pastoral life. What you carry forward is not a diploma but a responsibility."

The conferral of degrees was conducted by the V. Rev. Fr. Elias G. Boulos D.Min., Ph.D. and the V. Rev. Dr. Patrick Viscuso. The ceremony concluded with a solemn closing blessing and dismissal offered by His Grace Bishop Thomas.

Maksim expresses his gratitude to the faculty and board of trustees at AHOS, his family, and spiritual fathers for their support during his time at the Antiochian House of Studies.