With great success and in a climate of spiritual joy, a welcoming event was held at the Archdiocesan Church of Our Lady “Axion Estin”, in the Holy Diocese of Chora, for new and existing students at Saint Andrew’s Theological College, who come from the State of Victoria and either study in person in Sydney or remotely, through online education.
The event was honored with the presence of Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne and Bishop Evmenios of Chora, and Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia and Chaplain of Saint Andrew’s Theological College.
The main speaker of the event was Fr. Christophoros Krikelis, who, after conveying the paternal wishes and blessings of Archbishop Makarios of Australia, addressed a warm greeting and a word of encouragement to the students.
In his inspiring address, he emphasized that theological education is not simply an academic process, but a sacred mission and calling from Christ himself. He pointed out that the study of theology is a path of profound spiritual formation, which leads not only to the knowledge of God but also to a deeper communion with Him.
Father Christophoros emphasized the crucial role of a devotional life and prayer in the course of theological studies, noting that genuine theology flourishes within the spiritual rhythm of the Church. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of spiritual guidance, assuring that Saint Andrew’s Theological College is committed to providing each student with a spiritual father who will accompany them on their theological journey.
Metropolitan Ezekiel of Dervis, in a moving intervention, shared experiences from his studies in Halki, inspiring the students present to respond with dedication and humility to their calling.
The event was an excellent opportunity for the students to get to know each other and strengthen the spirit of fellowship that permeates everyone at the School, while the event concluded with the closing wishes of Fr. Christophoros, who pointed out that the path the students follow has been carved out by divine providence and not by coincidence, referring to the words of the Apostle Paul: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Saint Andrew’s Theological College continues to be a beacon of theological knowledge, spiritual cultivation and pastoral preparation, serving the sacred work of the Church.
