Graduates of the Class of 2025 from St Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney received their degrees on Friday, February 20, during a graduation ceremony held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern, Sydney.
The ceremony began with a Doxology, celebrated with the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia and presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Sevasteia.
Also in attendance were His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios of the Antiochian Church in Australia; His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane; Their Graces Assistant Bishops Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Christophoros of Kerasounta; clergy from across Sydney; the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis; academic and administrative staff of the College; as well as family and friends of the graduates.
In his address, Metropolitan Seraphim reflected on the College’s 40-year history and his own 35 years of service as a professor and in various leadership roles.
He paid tribute to the late Archbishop Stylianos of Australia and members of the Greek community whose support was instrumental in establishing the College. He also acknowledged the longstanding backing of the Australian University College of Divinity (AUCD), which has supported the institution since its early years.
Addressing the graduates, Metropolitan Seraphim encouraged them to carry their theological education into service, not only as knowledge but as lived faith. He described them as “ambassadors for Christ,” urging them to embody their learning through responsibility, humility and commitment to others.
He further emphasised that the challenges of the contemporary world demand more than academic credentials alone.
“The contemporary world does not need graduates who merely possess knowledge about theology, but people who have been inwardly transformed, who do not serve themselves, but God and others,” he said.
He encouraged the Class of 2025 to approach their future ministries with courage and integrity, serving both the Church and the wider community with dedication and purpose.
The ceremony marked not only the culmination of years of study for the graduates, but also a significant milestone for St Andrew’s Theological College as it enters its fifth decade of operation in Australia.
