“For us, Greek philosophy is not simply a cultural achievement, it is a spiritual inheritance. For the very word ‘philosophy’ means love of wisdom. And wisdom, in its deepest Christian sense, is not an abstract principle. Wisdom is personal. Wisdom is divine. Wisdom is Christ Himself. That is why theology and philosophy were never enemies in the Orthodox tradition. They have always existed in a creative and reverent dialogue.”
The above was noted by Archbishop Makarios of Australia in his address on Sunday, 18 January, at the Official Launch of the new Master’s Programme of Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, dedicated to Greek Philosophy.
The Archbishop and Dean of the Theological College in Sydney, explaining the rationale behind the establishment of the new postgraduate program, stated: “We were guided by the conviction that it is inconceivable for Greek philosophy to be taught at all the universities of Australia, while we, the heirs of this tradition, do not offer a corresponding program.” Describing the initiative as a bold undertaking, he expressed his belief that the program would be embraced not only by graduates of the Theological College, but also by students who wish to approach Greek philosophy at its most authentic spiritual and cultural source, “among the descendants of the land that first gave it a voice.”
Furthermore, His Eminence expressed his firm conviction that this initiative will bear abundant fruit, not only on an academic level, but also spiritually, culturally, and pastorally: “It will strengthen our youth. It will attract those who seek truth and wisdom. It will form leaders who are not only intelligent, but discerning, virtuous, and just, that is, ‘true lovers of wisdom’ within society.” Expressing the wish that “many hearts may come to love not only wisdom, but the Wisdom who is Christ Himself,” he offered heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Theological College for their zeal and dedication in preparing the curriculum and the necessary documentation for its official approval by the Australian University College of Divinity.
In conclusion, Archbishop Makarios referred to the broader effort to upgrade the academic programs of Saint Andrew’s Theological College. “From the very first days of my arrival in Australia in 2019, my heartfelt desire was to place special emphasis on the future flourishing of this sacred institution,” he noted. He pointed out that in recent years the College’s programs of study have been expanded and enriched, and that from the coming academic year they will be further strengthened with the introduction of a programme in Canon Law.
In addition to the Archbishop, addresses on the new Master of Greek Philosophy were delivered by Associate Professor Dr Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, and Professor Vrasidas Karalis, principal lecturer of the program. Greetings were also offered by the Ambassador of Greece to Australia, His Excellency Mr Stavros Venizelos.
The event, held in the Main Hall of the Theological College in Sydney, was honoured by the presence of Their Eminences, Metropolitan Myron of New Zealand, Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland, and Metropolitan Eirinaios of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia; the Their Graces, members of the Holy Eparchial Synod: Bishop Elpidios of Perth, Bishop Silouan of Adelaide, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, Bishop Evmenios of Chora, Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane, and Bishop Athinagoras of Canberra; the Their Graces Assistant Bishops, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, and Bishop Christophoros of Kerasounta; and Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and Southern Madagascar. Clergy, Archons of the Holy Great Church of Constantinople, members of the academic staff, and students of Saint Andrew’s Theological College were also in attendance.
Source: vema.com.au
