Dr. Paul Ladouceur, distinguished theologian, teacher, and writer in the Orthodox Christian tradition, fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, June 13, 2025. He was 81.
An adjunct within the Faculty of Divinity of Trinity College, University of Toronto, and also a teacher at the Institut de théologie orthodoxe de Montréal, Dr. Ladouceur was a towering figure in the study of modern Orthodox theology. His scholarly work, pastoral sensitivity, and unflagging commitment to ecumenical dialogue left an indelible mark on generations of students, clergy, and theologians across the globe.
Born in 1944 in Quebec to a French-Canadian Roman Catholic family, Dr. Ladouceur’s early academic path led him far afield from theology. He completed doctoral studies at the University of Sussex, researching political regionalism in Ghana—a project that informed his lifelong commitment to methodological rigour and social justice. After a distinguished career in international development with the Canadian government and the World Health Organization, he left public service in the 1990s to pursue a deeper spiritual calling.
His entry into the Orthodox Church in 1994 marked the beginning of a new chapter. He was chrismated at a French-speaking Orthodox community in France, drawn by the rich theological, spiritual, and liturgical life of Eastern Christianity. He would go on to become one of the most prolific Orthodox theologians in the Anglophone and Francophone worlds.
Dr. Ladouceur authored the widely acclaimed Modern Orthodox Theology (2019), a landmark synthesis of theological currents from the Russian Religious Renaissance through the neopatristic revival and into contemporary debates on theosis, ecclesiology, and anthropology. His clear, accessible writing—deeply shaped by the example of his mentor, Metropolitan Kallistos Ware—helped countless readers navigate the complex landscape of 20th and 21st-century Orthodox thought.
Beyond scholarship, Dr. Ladouceur was a tireless translator and advocate for underrepresented voices. He helped introduce English-speaking audiences to the work of Father Sergius Bulgakov, Saint Maria of Paris, and the often-overlooked theologian Myrrha Lot-Borodin. His efforts extended to promoting the contributions of Orthodox women, exploring comparative theology, and fostering ecumenical relationships—especially through his involvement with the Canadian Council of Churches and the Orthodox-Pentecostal dialogue.
His online ministry, particularly the French-language Orthodox website Pages orthodoxes de la Transfiguration, provided resources for thousands across the Francophone world, offering theological clarity, spiritual depth, and liturgical resources for seekers and faithful alike.
A gentle soul with a profound intellect, Paul was known not only for his deep theological insight but also for his warmth, humility, and humour. He was an avid outdoorsman, often retreating to nature for cross-country skiing and hiking—places where he encountered the quiet presence of the God he so faithfully served.
He is survived by friends, students, colleagues, and communities shaped by his witness and wisdom.
May Paul’s memory be eternal!