Archbishop Elpidophoros of America addressed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence during the annual Convocation of Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC), stressing that technology cannot replace the unique nature of human personhood.
The HCHC community gathered at the Maliotis Cultural Center on September 13 to mark the beginning of the new academic year, with addresses focusing on knowledge, wisdom, education and the spiritual formation of students.
In his archpastoral address, Archbishop Elpidophoros welcomed the largest incoming class in the history of the School and emphasized that the purpose of education goes beyond the transmission of information and involves the formation of the human person.
Turning to the rapid development of AI, the Archbishop said the appropriate response should be neither fear nor fascination.
“The Church must continue to remind the world that not everything can be calculated, and that not everything that sounds intelligent possesses wisdom,” he said.
“You are the image of God,” Archbishop Elpidophoros told the students. “No machine possesses the mystery of human personhood.”
He encouraged students to make use of emerging technologies and learn from them, while warning against allowing technology to take over responsibilities that belong to human beings.
“AI may compose the words of prayer, but it cannot pray,” he stressed.
Fr. Michael Lambakis, Interim President of Hellenic College Holy Cross, encouraged students to see the new academic year as an opportunity to grow daily in the likeness of Christ.
Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, Dean of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, reflected on the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, noting that while “we can carry knowledge in our pockets,” wisdom requires individuals to offer their minds, work, compassion, time, service and love to others.
Dr. Nicholas Ganson, Dean of Hellenic College, encouraged students to support one another when the initial excitement of the academic year gives way to challenges, reminding them that faculty and staff are available to provide guidance.
The Convocation concluded with the presentation of a historic manuscript to the Archbishop Iakovos Library. Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked Fr. Bartholomew Mercado, Interim Dean of Students and Holy Cross Chaplain, for locating the manuscript, working with its owner and helping secure sponsorship for its acquisition.
Concluding his message to the students, Archbishop Elpidophoros reminded them: “You are living images of the living God.”
