On Wednesday, 18 February, a Doxology was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Sydney for the commencement of the new academic year at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College.
The Doxology was presided over by Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, representing Archbishop Makarios of Australia. Also present were Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, clergy, members of the College’s Faculty, new and returning students, as well as their relatives and friends.
At the conclusion of the Doxology, in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and emotion on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the spiritual alma mater of the Orthodox Church in Australia, Bishop Iakovos conveyed to all present the paternal blessing of Archbishop Makarios, who is also the Dean of the College. He also delivered the Archbishop’s message, in which, addressing the students, he characteristically emphasised: “The study of Theology is not merely the acquisition of knowledge. Theology is formative and, by the grace of God, transformative, as we are led before His unapproachable glory. Theology is not only something to be learned, but something to be lived. It calls us to make a lived experience of what we study, to allow it to soften and shape our hearts, and to offer it back to the Church with love, humility, and obedience.”
Reflecting on the humble beginnings of the Theological College four decades ago and its subsequent steady upward course, Archbishop Makarios noted with satisfaction that it has now been established as a theological institution of recognised standing, both within the Australian University College of Divinity (AUCD) and among prominent Orthodox theological schools internationally. He focused on the wide range of academic programs offered by the College and made special mention of the new Master’s Program in Greek Philosophy, which commenced in the current academic year.
Moreover, he referred to plans for the establishment of a new program in Hellenic Studies, expressing the expectation that the process of drafting and submitting the relevant proposal will be completed within the current year. Such a development, he observed, will further enhance the standing of St Andrew’s Theological College and its contribution both to the Church and to society.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios referred to the forthcoming relocation of the College, estimating that its new, state-of-the-art facilities will provide a firm foundation for its further development in the coming decades and for the strengthening of Orthodox Christian witness in Australia. “This is a visible sign that the Church invests in theological education not only for today, but also for the generations to come,” he underlined.
The conclusion of the Archbishop and Dean’s address was dedicated to the first-year students, to whom, in addition to heartfelt paternal wishes, he offered the exhortation to proceed with complete trust in Christ, who will guide their steps. “As you begin your studies,” he noted, “you may not yet clearly see where this path will lead. Some may feel called to the priesthood, others to teaching, academic research, service in spiritual ministry, or to forms of service yet unknown. Do not be troubled by this. The Lord reveals the way step by step when we are ready to entrust our lives to Him. What is asked of you now is dedication to your studies, to prayer, to the life of the Church, and to one another.”
