Father Nathanael Polinski, O.S.B., a member of the monastic community since 2005, has been named academic dean at Saint Vincent Seminary. He began duties this summer. Father Nathanael earned a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Pitt in 1993. He began studies at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2006, receiving the Master of Divinity degree and the Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree, both with highest honors. Father Nathanael also received the Sacred Scripture Award, given to the graduate who has most demonstrated excellence in the study of Sacred Scripture, and the Diakonia Award, for praiseworthy academic performance and service to the Seminary community through building student morale and spirit, exercising leadership within the community, and demonstrating creative outreach to others. He began graduate studies at The Catholic University of America in 2012 and successfully defended his doctoral dissertation in December, 2017.
Following completion of his doctorate, he was named to the regular faculty of Saint Vincent Seminary as assistant professor of Sacred Scripture and Biblical Languages, where he teaches Johannine Literature, New Testament Exegesis, Mark and Matthew, and Introduction to New Testament Greek as well as Praying Sacred Scripture, and Synoptic Gospels in the Seminary’s Institute for Ministry Formation. He has also taught Scripture courses in Saint Vincent College.
He is the author of That the Scriptures Might Be Fulfilled Through Perfect Worship: An Investigation of John 19:36-37, published by Pickwick Publications, Eugene, Oregon (2020). The book is based on his doctoral dissertation.
Father Nathanael made simple profession of monastic vows in 2006 and solemn profession in July 2009. He was ordained a deacon on July 23, 2011 in the Archabbey Basilica by Most Rev. Lawrence E. Brandt, Bishop of Greensburg, and served his deacon year at Saint Nicholas Parish, Nicktown. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 2012 by Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, Bishop of Erie, in the Archabbey Basilica.
Father Nathanael has served as assistant to the director of Archabbey Finances and Investments, socius of novices, and was assistant junior master and assistant archivist. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Saint Vincent College and is a member of the Archabbey Finance Committee.
