On Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the established Consecration Ceremony marking the beginning of the new Academic Year was held in the Meeting Room of the School of Medicine of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA).
For the fifth consecutive year, the Consecration was celebrated by Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia and Mozambique, continuing this important tradition of prayer and blessing for the academic community and the School’s educational, scientific, and research mission.
The ceremony was attended by the Rector of NKUA, Professor G. Siassos, former Rector of NKUA and Honorary Professor of the School of Medicine Professor X. Kittas, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Professor E. Efstathopoulos, Executive Director of the School of Medicine Dr. E. Vassilopoulou, Dean of the School of Health Sciences Professor P. Lagiou, Vice President of the School of Medicine Professor K. Tsioufis, members of the Board of Directors, as well as numerous Professors, academic staff and administrative employees of the School.
In his address, the Rector of NKUA, Professor G. Siassos, conveyed his warm wishes for a successful, productive and creative academic year to all students, faculty members and the wider academic community, highlighting their important role as a beacon of knowledge, education and progress.
The President of the School of Medicine, Professor N. Arkadopoulos, stressed the School’s enduring commitment to educating and training outstanding physicians, equipped not only with high-level scientific knowledge but also with strong ethical principles and a deep sense of responsibility towards humanity and society.
He further underlined the vital contribution of the University’s Clinics and Laboratories, whose daily work provides essential support to society while simultaneously advancing medical education, research and innovation. Professor Arkadopoulos expressed his appreciation to all members of the academic community whose dedication and contribution continue to strengthen the School’s development and international standing.
As he emphasized, Medicine will continue to serve as a beacon of knowledge, humanity and hope for Greek society, maintaining the highest standards of scientific excellence while placing the human being at the centre of its mission.
He also highlighted the critical importance of strengthening the School through the appointment of new faculty members, which is essential for the effective operation of its Clinics and Laboratories and for the continued advancement of its educational and research work.
The Consecration once again served as a meaningful moment of unity, reflection, and blessing as the School of Medicine begins another academic year dedicated to knowledge, scientific excellence, service to humanity, and the formation of future generations of physicians.
Source: Orthodox Metropolis of Zambia
