A Tribute to the Life & Scholarship of Prof. Mary Cunningham
Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies, University of Birmingham.
12 June 2026 | 10:00–17:30
Free | In-person and online
We would like to announce a commemorative conference honouring the life and scholarship of the distinguished Byzantinist, Professor Mary Cunningham (1954–2025). The day will feature a series of papers presented by some of Mary’s friends and colleagues, reflecting on key themes in her research and publications.
This event is open to all with an interest in Byzantine and medieval studies, as well as anyone wishing to pay tribute to Mary’s legacy.
This academic event will feature papers delivered by some of Mary’s colleagues and friends with whom she worked closely throughout her career. The day is organised into three strands reflecting key themes in Mary’s scholarship: the Theotokos, the Hypapante, and her work in the contemporary Orthodox Church.
Programme
Welcome (10:00-10:10), Daniel Reynolds
Mary and the Midlands (1010-1030)- Leslie Brubaker and Monica White
Session I: The Theotokos (10:30–12:00)
- Looking Like Mary, Liz James (University of Sussex)
- Ivory Icons of the Mother of God: A Strange Case, Maria Cristina Carile (Università di Bologna)
- Rejoicing with Mary about Mary: The Annunciation as Performance, Barbara Crostini (Newman Institute, Uppsala)
- Questions
Refreshments (12:00-12:15)
Session II: The Hypapante (12:15–13:45)
- The Hypapante: A Journey with Mary, Francesca Dell’Acqua (Università degli Studi di Salerno)
- Reflections on the Reception of Sermons in Byzantium Henry Maguire (Johns Hopkins University)
- Hymning the Presentation of Christ in the Temple Bishop Damaskinos Olkinuora (Bishop of Haapsalu)
- Questions
Lunch (13:45-1430)
Session III: Inclusive Orthodoxy (14:30–16:00)
- Beyond Masculinity: Patristic Anthropology, Media Narratives, and the Ecclesial Task of the Orthodox Church, Elena Narinskaya (University of Oxford)
- Mary Cunningham: An Orthodox Woman Scholar, Elisabeth Theokritoff (University of Cambridge)
- Crip Time, Voice, and Byzantine Religion Maroula Perisanidi (University of Leeds)
- Questions
Refreshments (16:00-16:30)
A Tribute to Mary, Chris Thornhill (University of Nottingham) (16:30–16:50)
Closing Remarks (16:50-17:00)
Wine Reception (17:00–17:30)