On March 20, 2025, Friar Andrew Jeylan HOCHSTEDLER, of the Provincial Custody of the Orient and the Holy Land, successfully defended his doctoral thesis, titled: “The Departure of Mary in Six Books and the 6th-Century Syriac Cult of the Virgin.” The defense took place at St. Peter’s College, University of Oxford, England.
His thesis presents, for the first time, an in-depth study of the Syriac cult of the Virgin Mary preserved in one of the oldest accounts of the Dormition and Assumption. The defense, or “viva voce,” was conducted in a manner typical for Oxford: a closed-door dialogue between Friar Andrew and two examiners, one internal to the University: Professor Phil BOOTH, and one external: Professor Susan Ashbrook HARVEY of Brown University, Rhode Island, USA.
The “viva voce” examination lasted just over two hours. It began with a presentation by Friar Andrew outlining the development of his thesis and its contribution to the academic world. This was followed by a debate on certain aspects of the thesis, requiring a real defense by the doctoral candidate on some positions. The examiners then offered Friar Andrew some advice about the possible publication of his thesis and what publishing house to choose.
Finally, the committee gave his thesis the highest mark possible: “Award of the DPhil as the Thesis Stands” (passed without corrections). After the defense, some traditional Oxford “rituals” followed: a beer at the pub with the thesis supervisor, Professor David G.K. TAYLOR, and a joyful gathering with friends at the local Conventual Franciscan community.
The outcome of the defense was then communicated to the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, home to Syriac Studies, where Friar Andrew completed his doctoral program. On April 10, 2025, the University officially granted Friar Andrew “leave to supplicate” for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil). He will participate in the graduation ceremony on September 26, 2025.
In 2016, Friar Andrew graduated from the Pontifical Faculty of St. Bonaventure, (Seraphicum) in Rome with a degree in sacred theology. After a year of pastoral service at the Conventual Franciscan Parish of St. Antoine de Padoue in Beirut, Lebanon (2016-2017), he completed an MA (Master of Arts) in early Christian studies at the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA (2019), and an MSt (Master of Research) in Syriac studies at the University of Oxford (2020).
Friar Andrew expressed his gratitude to the friars of the Provincial Custody of Bl. Agnellus of Pisa in Great Britain-Ireland: “I want to thank the friars of the Oxford community, especially for welcoming me over these years and allowing me to combine study with the joy of fraternal life—in prayer, meals, and even in simple tasks like cleaning and weekly kitchen duties.”
In May 2024, Friar Andrew returned to his Custody, where he now serves as Associate Pastor for the Turkish-speaking faithful at his home parish of St. Anthony of Padua in Istanbul, Turkey. At the same time, he is continuing his research into the earliest Syriac traditions about Our Lady.
Friar Andrew Jeylan HOCHSTEDLER
