With warm wishes and fatherly words, Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania addressed the graduates of the University College “Logos” during the institution’s graduation ceremony.
In the presence of the Rector, members of the academic and administrative staff, as well as the parents and relatives of the graduates, the Archbishop expressed his joy and honour at participating in this important occasion, emphasizing that the young scholars now hold in their hands “the fruit of their efforts, which has matured through their personal labour, the sacrifices of their families, and the dedication of their professors.”
At the beginning of his address, Archbishop Ioannis warmly thanked the professors and the entire staff of the University for their contribution to the mission of education, stressing that at University College “Logos” students are not merely given knowledge, but are nurtured in “a love for life, a love for giving, a love for creativity and originality.”
Speaking about the significance of the degree they received, the Archbishop noted that it is not simply a document or an honorary title, but rather “a testimony with profound social significance,” since society now recognizes graduates as specialists in their respective fields of study and, at the same time, entrusts them with the responsibility to inform, guide, and assist others.
“As in a living organism every cell performs its own function, and through its silent work the entire body lives and advances, so you too are called to become the healthy and creative cells of the social body,” he said.
Archbishop Ioannis offered the graduates a fatherly exhortation never to stop growing and deepening their knowledge, encouraging them not to limit themselves to the existing achievements of their scientific disciplines, but to dare to contribute something new themselves through their experience, research, and personal dedication.
“Do not consider this contribution to be small. For every small stone that each of you adds raises humanity one step higher, toward something better,” he emphasized.
The Archbishop then referred to the journey of humanity throughout history as a continuous search and discovery—first and foremost a search for truth, and then a search for ways to improve human life, confront diseases, and overcome the dangers that threaten human existence.
He stressed that every genuine scientific advancement is a blessed fruit of the intellect that God has granted to humanity, while also highlighting a fundamental truth: “nothing that human beings discover, and no achievement of science, can or should be considered capable of replacing the providence of God.”
“God is always present. He waits, respecting our freedom, for us to ask Him for help. But even when a person does not seek Him, He continues to embrace that person with love, to guide, support, and sustain him in life,” he said.
Calling upon the young graduates to become people of faith, enthusiasm, generosity, and joy, the Archbishop emphasized that today’s society has a great need for people who rise above self-centredness and turn toward their fellow human beings, offering the gifts and knowledge they have acquired.
“The true and mystical joy of this life is not found in receiving, but in giving,” he said, referring to the words of the Apostle Paul: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
The Archbishop encouraged the graduates not to view their profession and specialization merely as a means of survival or personal success, but as a means of service and love toward humanity.
“Everything that is done with love is also done with inspiration, with passion and with fullness—and sooner or later, it bears fruit,” he stated.
The Archbishop also made particular reference to the name of the institution, which bears the title “Logos.” Explaining the meaning of the term in ancient Greek, he noted that Logos refers to the power of thought, language, and speech, but also to a deeper reality connected with intelligence, harmony, and the purpose of creation.
“This world is not without purpose; it has a reason for its existence. And the reason for which it exists is the Logos Himself—the Word and the Life-giving Presence of God,” he emphasized.
Addressing the graduates directly, Archbishop Ioannis warmly congratulated them and prayed that God would bless their steps, guide their choices, and crown their efforts with success.
At the same time, he expressed his gratitude to the parents of the young scholars, who, as he noted, accompanied them to this important day through sacrifices, hardships, and prayers.
In closing, the Archbishop expressed his gratitude to the late Archbishop Anastasios for his vision for the University and for his tireless efforts to make the institution a place where not only knowledge is transmitted, but also human values are cultivated.
“May God bless you, enlighten you, and accompany you at every step of your lives. I wish you a successful career, a peaceful life, and that joy may always accompany you,” concluded Archbishop Ioannis.
