The Thomas C. Oden Patristic Studies Institute (TOPS) is an international study centre based in Jerusalem, introducing university-level students with an interest in Christian thought and Judeo-Christian heritage to Late Antiquity including the Patristic writings.

Students discover the significance of that legacy to the churches in the Middle East and their association to Africa, Asia, and the Western world today.

Dr. Thomas C. Oden is the Henry Anson Buttz Professor of Theology, Drew University (emeritus) and General Editor of the 28-volume Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture published by Inter-Varsity Press and translated into seven languages.

In honour of Dr. Thomas C. Oden and under the leadership of Dr. Petra Heldt, the Patristic Studies Institute provides:

•	Undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate studies;
•	A tangible experience of life in modern Israel in conjunction with its historical dimensions and an appreciation of Judeo-Christian values in Western culture.

Jerusalem is the ideal setting for this institute, with its wide range of both Jewish and Christian resources.