At the graduation ceremony of the Theological School of the Church of Cyprus, Archbishop Georgios delivered a deeply moving and inspiring address, emphasizing the unique role of the School and the challenging mission of theologians in contemporary society.
“Many schools prepare scholars of the tangible world and servants of the material aspects of humanity, mainly serving material needs. However, our Theological School has a different purpose,” he stressed. “It is not limited to knowledge and spiritual cultivation but serves as a workshop for creating reformers of society, transforming students into ‘educators in Christ,’ responding to the inner calling of their souls.”
The Archbishop acknowledged the difficulties theologians face today, as “various currents erode our moral foundation and our relationship with God,” while the media promote lifestyles where “God has no place.” He noted that many people today “deify themselves,” distancing from eternal values, leading to spiritual weakening and dragging moral principles into reckless collapse.
He also highlighted the unacceptable zealotry emerging in Cyprus, where some reject the Church and place themselves outside it—“a new heresy threatening the unity of our faith.” “The Holy Synod recognized the danger and took decisive measures to confront it. This deviation, as a departure from true faith, constitutes a new heresy,” he added.
The Archbishop stressed the need to protect the faithful from such “wolves” and called upon theologians to bear the good witness of the true faith received from the Apostles.
At the same time, he addressed the grave danger Cyprus faces from occupation and efforts of Turkification, noting that churches are collapsing and properties are being looted, while Cypriots are kept away from the land of their ancestors. He condemned the inertia and called for unity in reclaiming the ancestral homelands.
Finally, addressing the graduates, he urged them to act with courage and trust in God, who will enlighten and guide them. He reminded them that the Theological School has equipped them to serve with faith and responsibility, and that the Church and the Holy Synod will always stand beside them.
“May the Virgin Mary and the Life-Giving Trinity bless the work of the School and grant us to achieve all noble goals, especially the liberation of our homeland, for which all Hellenism must be united in struggle,” he concluded.
Source: Church of Cyprus / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
