Archbishop Makarios of Australia will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), following a joint proposal from both Departments of the Faculty of Theology and the unanimous approval of the University Senate.
The official conferral ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and will be graced by the honorary and blessed presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Upon learning of this prestigious academic distinction, the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Archdiocese of Australia expressed profound joy, describing the honor as a “milestone for the entire Greek Orthodox Omogenia of Australia.”
The Synod conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his decision to personally attend and bless the ceremony, acknowledging the significance of his presence. Special thanks were also extended to Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the University of Athens, and Professor Emmanouil Karageorgoudis, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, for their roles in advancing the nomination and recognition of Archbishop Makarios.
The Holy Synod further announced that it will be officially represented at the ceremony by His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, while the Archdiocesan Council will be represented by its General Secretary, Mr. Nikolaos Papanastasiou, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The honorary doctorate is a recognition of Archbishop Makarios’ significant contribution to theological scholarship, ecclesiastical leadership, and the pastoral care of the Greek Orthodox faithful in Australia.
