On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Department of Social Theology and Christian Culture at the School of Theology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki welcomed Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, Exarch of Hungary and Central Europe.
In the packed Lecture Hall D, Dean Athanasios Gkikas and Department Chair Apostolos Kralidis greeted the Metropolitan.
The Metropolitan then presented his lecture on the topic: “The Role of the Orthodox Church and Theology for Europe.” During his address, he described the critical turning point at which the “Old Continent” now stands and emphasized the importance of making key decisions. He stated: “I am convinced that we are at a critical turning point in Europe’s history. This means that if we want a future for Europe, we must make well-considered yet bold decisions immediately.”
The Metropolitan of Austria emphasized that the response to the challenges of our time and Europe’s identity crisis must be a return to its Christian roots and a vibrant presence of the Church. As he concluded his speech, he emphasized: “The role that Orthodox theology and the church are called to play today is the re-evangelization of European society.”
After the lecture concluded, a fruitful dialogue with the students followed, and the event concluded with personal interaction between the Metropolitan and the members of the academic community.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
