His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia celebrated a Doxology Service at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney on Friday, February 28, to mark the graduation of students from St Andrew’s Theological College.
During the service, His Eminence also awarded certificates to graduates of the Byzantine Music School, who completed a four-year course of study.
Degrees were also conferred by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia, Their Graces Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, Christophoros Krikelis, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, and Ioannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney.
Also present were Assoc. Professor Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of the Theological College, faculty members, teachers from the Byzantine Music School, and the graduates’ families and friends.
In his address, Archbishop Makarios praised the Byzantine Music School, which he founded shortly after his arrival in Australia, for its role in preparing individuals to support the local Church by serving at sacred chanting stands during services.
He then congratulated the graduates of the Theological College, highlighting the importance of the faculty and families’ support in their academic journey. The Archbishop emphasised that theology is not merely an academic discipline, but a divine gift.
“Theology is a gift ‘coming down from the Father of lights’ (James 1:7) that brings us before the mystery of God’s love,” he said.
The Archbishop reminded the graduates that theology is not only informative but also transformative, urging them to present a living testimony of the presence of Christ in their future ministries.
Finally, Archbishop Makarios stressed that for theology to remain authentic, it must offer a glimpse of Christ’s future kingdom.
