Peter Bouteneff teaches courses in theology, spirituality, and the arts at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, where he is professor of systematic theology and founding director of the Institute of Sacred Arts.

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Dr. Bouteneff’s first degree is from New England Conservatory where he studied jazz and ethnomusicology. After some years living in Japan and traveling throughout Asia and Europe he landed at St. Vladimir’s Seminary, where he received his M.Div. degree in 1990. From there he went to Oxford and wrote his doctorate under the supervision of Metropolitan Kallistos Ware. For five years he was on the staff of the Faith and Order Commission at the World Council of Churches in Geneva. His close kinship with the music of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt led to the seminary’s Arvo Pärt Project. From that project was born the seminary’s Institute of Sacred Arts, of which Bouteneff is founding director.

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His books include

• Sweeter than Honey: Orthodox Thinking on Dogma and Truth

• Beginnings: Ancient Christian Readings on the Biblical Creation Narratives

• Arvo Pärt: Out of Silence

• How to Be a Sinner: Finding Yourself in the Language of Repentance

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Dr. Bouteneff has edited and co-edited many other books and published dozens of scholarly essays and book chapters, as well as articles in popular theological and music journals. Most recently he co-edited Arvo Pärt: Sounding the Sacred. His podcast, “Luminous: Conversations on Sacred Arts” features eclectic presentations and discussions on the topics closest to his heart.

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He directs church choirs, and remains active as a jazz bassist.