NEWS
[20/05/2013] Photos from the 2013 Doxology service and reception for graduating students on 17 May, and the Sydney College of Divinity Graduation ceremony on 18 May, can be viewed here or on the 'archive' section of this website.
[20/05/2013] The Thanksgiving Service for College graduates was celebrated on 17 May. The evening's proceedings began with a Doxological Service chanted by students, past and present. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, as Dean, conferred the graduates with the College's Ecclesiastical Degree and read a benediction over them. In his address to the congregation of reverend clergy, faculty, distinguished guests and members of the general public, His Eminence acknowledged the ongoing efforts of staff and colleagues in accomplishing the difficult task of providing theological education, citing especially the long-standing collaboration and affiliation with the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD). He concluded by wishing that the graduates show themselves worthy of the trust of the Church and society as a whole.
Honouring this important occasion with their presence were His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, Sub-Dean; Mr Peter King, President of the SCD Council; Prof. Diane Speed, Dean of the SCD; Rev. Associate Professor Gerard Kelly, Principal of the Catholic Institute of Sydney; Dr Leonard Smith, Principal of Emmaus Bible College; Prof. Jim Harrison, SCD Director of Research, and other colleagues from within the SCD and its member institutions; reverend clergy and Archdiocesan Council Members. There were also College alumni and representatives from the various committees of the College and the Archdiocese.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were bestowed as noted below:
Bachelor of Theology with Graduate Diploma of Arts: Efstratios Makris (VIC). Bachelor of Theology with Graduate Certificate in Arts: Vasilios Le Couilliard (VIC). Bachelor of Theology: Theodoros Dimitriou (VIC) in absentia, Dimitrios Marcou (VIC) and Mark Woloszyn (VIC). Master of Arts: Emmanuel Kassiotis (NSW) in absentia, Nicholas Koutras (NSW) and John Su (VIC) in absentia. Graduate Diploma of Arts: Leon Bagas (WA) in absentia.
The latest group of graduates brought to 119 the total number of graduates – receiving 146 Sydney College of Divinity degrees and awards at various levels, but primarily the Bachelor of Theology – since St Andrew’s opened in 1986.
Most of the aforementioned graduates were also present at the Sydney College of Divinity Graduation Ceremony the following morning, 18 May, along with approximately 80 graduates and 400 attendees from other member institutions of the SCD. Here they were conferred their respective degrees and awards in the Great Hall of the University of Sydney by the President of the SCD Council, Mr Peter King. A particular honour for St Andrew’s was the presentation of the Rev. Dr Brian Murray Memorial Prize to one of its own, Mark Woloszyn. This prize is awarded annually to the student with the highest level of academic achievement in the discipline of Theology across all SCD member institutions who is graduating with the Bachelor of Theology. Mark is the third recipient from St Andrew’s in the prize’s 15-year history. The Occasional Address was delivered by Prof. Warwick Wilson, Chairman of the SCD Academic Board, Honorary Fellow of the SCD, and Emeritus Professor of the University of Western Sydney.
[13/05/2013] Three St Andrew’s faculty members presented at the Sydney College of Divinity’s (SCD) Professional Development Day held at Booth College today. Sr Dr Margaret Beirne gave her insights into distance education at St Andrew’s in the morning session on ‘The Beast that is Moodle: Helpful Tools on Using Moodle Effectively.’ Fr Dr Doru Costache participated in the two afternoon sessions at the invitation of Professor Jim Harrison (Director of Research, SCD). The first was entitled ‘From Conference to Book: Publication Opportunities for MI’s and SCD,’ where he discussed some of the College’s achievements in terms of its academic journal, Phronema, the annual Patristic Symposia convened by both himself and Dr Philip Kariatlis, and upcoming collective volume based on the first three Symposia – Cappadocian Legacy – which is edited by the symposium conveners. In the second session on ‘Training the Next Generation of Presenters and Researchers,’ Fr Doru and Mario Baghos outlined the ways in which St Andrew’s trains its newest faculty members, as well as highlighting aspects of its teaching and research culture including, respectively, the guest lectures (TH695A and TH595A) to be delivered by Professor Paul M. Blowers (in July), as well as the two Round Tables with visiting scholars to be held this year in July and September.
[08/05/2013] SYMPOSIUM NEWS: Abstracts for St Andrew's 2013 Patristic Symposium on St Cyril of Alexandria can be viewed here and on the symposium main page under 'News.' More to come.
[09/04/2013] The college was today visited by a Serbian delegation headed by His Grace Irinej (Dobrijevic), Bishop of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand, and His Grace David (Perovic), Bishop of the Diocese of Krusevac (Serbia). Led by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos and His Grace Bishop Seraphim, the Serbian hierarchs and their deacons visited the college, where Bishop David addressed a word to staff and students.
[06/04/2013] Photos from the Adult Faith Education Seminar held in Melbourne on the 6th April, 2013 have been added to the Archive and the following link.
[06/04/2013] Within its newly launched adult faith education program, St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College offered a series of catechetical lectures on the topic 'Introducing the Creed,' at St John's Greek Orthodox College, Preston VIC. The presenters included Mario Baghos, Dr Philip Kariatlis, Anastasios Kalogerakis and Revd Dr Doru Costache. A special thank you to Their Graces Bishops Ezekiel of Dervis and Iakovos of Miletoupolis, as well as the organisers of the event, including Fr Leonidas Ioannou, Ms Kerrie Neophytou and Mr Daniel Bellis, as well as to the principal of St John's, Dr Charalampos Ladopoulos.
[19/03/2013] Dr Philip Kariatlis presented a lecture entitled 'An Orthodox Approach to the Nature and Study of Theology' to a group of students undertaking a course unit in Systematic Theology at the Presbyterian Theological College, Burwood, (Sydney).
[15/03/2013] SYMPOSIUM NEWS: The title for Professor David Bradshaw's keynote paper, as well as his bio, are now available on the symposium page. Abstract coming soon.
[15/03/2013] SYMPOSIUM NEWS: The title and abstract of keynote speaker Professor Pauline Allen's paper, as well as her bio, are now available for view on the symposium page.
[08/03/2013] A PDF flyer with details for Professor Paul M. Blower's intensive lectures for TH595A Creator and Creation in Early Christian Theology can be viewed here and in 'forthcoming events.'
[08/03/2013] A PDF flyer with details for Professor Paul M. Blowers' intensive lectures for TH695A Spiritual Pedagogy in St Maximus the Confessor can be viewed here and in 'forthcoming events.'
[02/03/2013] Photos from this year's Opening Doxology can be viewed here and under 'Archive.'
[01/03/2012] A Round Table on the theme of 'Expanding Reason: the Christian Transformation of Philosophy in the World of the Fathers' will take place on the 19 September, 2013. It will be moderated by Fr Doru Costache and will feature guest speakers including Professor David Bradshaw (University of Kentucky), who is also one of the keynote speakers for this year's Patristic Symposium, and Dr Adam Cooper (JP II Institute, Melbourne). The flyer for this event can be seen here.
[28/02/2013] Today marked the official opening of the academic year at St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College in Sydney. For the twenty-eighth consecutive year, the traditional Doxology Service was celebrated in the College Chapel of St John the Evangelist and Theologian by the Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, College Sub-Dean, as well as His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, among faculty members, staff, alumni, students and guests, including Mr Stan Palassis and Dr Theo Penklis.
After welcoming everyone, His Eminence stressed that St Andrew’s is not a denominational College, but is charged with the sacred task to preserve and disseminate the common Christian inheritance of the undivided Church of the first millennium. In this welcoming spirit, he thanked not only the Orthodox faculty of St Andrew’s, but also the contributions made by faculty members from Roman Catholic and Protestant backgrounds; all of who continue to raise the College’s standards in terms of tertiary education and scholarship/research. His Eminence affirmed that at St Andrew’s, theology is not taught purely as a speculative discipline, but is driven by prayer, and he expressed wonder at advances in technology which made it possible for students to study through online distance education. He also highlighted the importance of the College in these troubled times, noting that God, as the Master of the past, present, and future, is always with us, irrespective of the adverse historical circumstances.
His Eminence also warmly welcomed the new seminarians, including Michael Coursaris (Sydney), Nick Georgiou (Melbourne), Esaias Michael (Melbourne), George Papoutsakis (Sydney), and Milan Stanimirovic (Brisbane). He also welcomed students undertaking diploma and masters courses whether through evening classes or distance education. The customary group photograph in the courtyard of the College was followed by a luncheon generously prepared by the tireless ladies’ auxiliary of the Archdiocese. At the end of the luncheon, His Eminence formally announced the first meeting of a Sub-Committee of the Council of St Andrew’s Theological College. This sub-committee, chaired by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, was formed to prepare a draft Strategic Plan for the Council that will guide the College's objectives to attract more enrolments, provide employment opportunities for graduates, ensure the integrity of a financial model for the College, and determine further structural developments.
[25/02/2013] St Andrew's held a Professional Development Day attended by much of the faculty. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, Dean of the College, gave an introductory welcome, which was followed by a session by His Grace Bishop Seraphim, College Sub-Dean, on 'Student Affairs.' Dr Philip Kariatlis presented two sessions, one on 'Strategic Planning' and another on 'Risk Management.' Fr Doru Costache then gave a presentation on 'Strategic Priorities in Research.' Anastasios Kalogerakis gave the final presentation on 'Admin Requirements for Teaching Staff.'
[06/02/2013] The flyer for the Round Table on St Maximus the Confessor moderated by Fr Doru Costache with guest speakers Professor Paul M. Blowers, Dr Bronwen Neil, and Dr Adam Cooper, can be downloaded here. It is also available on the main page of the website and the 'Forthcoming Events' section.
[05/02/2013] The registration form for St Andrew's 2013 Patristic Symposium on St Cyril of Alexandria is now available for download in PDF form on both the main page of the website and the symposium page.
[05/02/2013] The Timetable for Semsters 1 and 2, 2013, is available and can be viewed and downloaded in PDF form here.
[05/02/2013] UPDATE: Recent additions to the St Andrew's website include a 'Forthcoming Events' section accessible on the main page of the website. Flyers for some of these events have been added beneath the 'Forthcoming' link, and more will be added as they become available. Also, photographs have been added for the Chapel, Retreats, and Special Events, as well as Patristic Symposia 2011 and 2012.
[31/01/2013] A flyer for the Adult Faith Education Seminar on 'Introducing the Creed' to be held 6 April, 2013 in Melbourne can be viewed here and on the main page of the site.
[31/01/2013] A new brochure launched at the 11th Clergy-Laity Congress outlining study at St Andrew's together with employment opportunities and College life can be viewed here and on the main page of the site.
[31/01/2013] Dr Philip Kariatlis presented the College report at the 11th Clergy-Laity Congress, the highest decision-making body of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, which took place in Sydney, 20-23 January, 2013. The report can be viewed here and on the main page of the site.
[31/01/2013] Dr Philip Kariatlis' latest podcast entitled 'Maker of Heaven and Earth...' for his series 'Theology: The Deeper Breath of the Entire Body of the Church,' is now available on Ancient Faith Radio.
[19/12/2012] St Andrew’s welcomes Associate Professor Angelo Karantonis (BTh 2000), recently appointed by the Dean His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos as editor of the college’s bi-annual peer reviewed journal, Phronema. His Eminence also gave the blessing for the formation of an editorial board for the journal, whose members can be viewed here.
[14/12/2012] Professor Paul Blowers will be teaching two intensive course units in July 2013: Creator and Creation in Early Christian Theology and Spiritual Pedagogy in Saint Maximus the Confessor. Details will be available soon for both enrolments and auditors.
[27/11/2012] Fr Doru Costache gave a presentation at St Spyridon Parish's twenty-third annual 'Short Course in Orthodox Studies' entitled 'Patristic and Liturgical Approaches to the Book of Genesis (1:2-3).'
[13/11/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis gave a presentation at St Spyridon Parish's twenty-third annual 'Short Course in Orthodox Studies' entitled 'The Impossibility of Individualism - God's Community.'
[12/11/2012] Fr Doru Costache gave a presentation entitled 'Transdisciplinary Elements in the Patristic Byzantine Thought' for the Anniversary Symposium Basarab Nicolescu - 70, at the Aula Magna of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest.
[07/11/2012] Dr John A.L. Lee FAHA gave a presentation entitled 'The Psalms in Orthodox Worship: How and Where the Greek version originated' for Sr Margaret Beirne's course unit The Psalms.
[06/11/2012] Mario Baghos gave a presentation at St Spyridon Parish's twenty-third annual 'Short Course in Orthodox Studies' entitled 'The Ecumenical Councils: Their Significance Then and Now.'
[06/11/2012] St Spyridon Parish and Community of South East Sydney is currently hosting its twenty-third annual 'Short Course in Orthodox Studies' in collaboration with St Andrew's.
[02/11/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis gave a guest lecture to a group of postgraduate students from Morling College (a Baptist Bible Theological College based in Sydney) entitled 'An Orthodox Approach to Ecclesiology'.
[25/10/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis welcomed a group of people form St Jame's Institute (Sydney) to the Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and presented a lecture entitled, 'Exploring the Interior of an Orthodox Church'.
[22/10/2012] The profile page of the Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, has been updated to included all of the articles published by His Eminence in Phronema since the journal's establishment in 1986.
[19/10/2012] Chris Baghos gave a presentation at St Andrew's Friday Seminars entitled 'Collective Greek-Australian Identity and its Discontents.' The presentation, which was previously delivered as a research seminar paper at the University of Sydney, was moderated by Fr Doru Costache.
[12/10/2012] The College welcomed Professor Miroljub Jevti? of the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade. He presented a lecture titled 'The Eastern Orthodox Church and Modern Religious Processes in the World.'
[12/10/2012] The complete collection of poems of the Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, have been uploaded onto his profile page under 'Creative Works.' A special thanks to Deacon Dimitrios Papaikonomou for converting the hard copies into PDF format.
[01/10/2012] SYMPOSIUM NEWS: St Andrew’s fourth annual Patristic Symposium, this year dedicated to St Athanasius the Great, took place on 28 & 29 September. The event was a great success and well attended. The keynote presentation and the parallel sessions offered a great variety of topics related to St Athanasius and his milieu, from theology, exegesis and spirituality, to history and contemporary reiterations. Stay tuned for news relating to next year's symposium, which will be dedicated to St Cyril of Alexandria.
[27/09/2012] The latest edition of Phronema 27:2 (2012), containing articles based on papers delivered at St Andrew's 2011 Patristic Symposium on St Gregory of Nyssa, is now available. It includes contributions by the two keynote speakers, Dr Anna M Silvas FAHA and Dr Bronwen Neil, as well as the conveners of the Symposium (and editors of this volume) Fr Doru Costache and Dr Philip Kariatlis, and college faculty members Sr Margaret Beirne and Mario Baghos.
[27/09/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis delivered the 2012 Russell Fowler Memorial Oration entitled 'The Church as Community: Members Living in Fellowship with God and One Another' at the United Theological College. The annual lecture, in honour of the late Russell Fowler, celebrates his contribution to chaplaincy and clinical pastoral education. Those who attended were predominantly chaplains from the various hospitals in New South Wales together with educators in the different clinical pastoral education programs.
[14/09/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis' latest podcast entitled I Believe in One God Father Almighty Part 2 for his series 'Theology: The Deeper Breath of the Entire Body of the Church,' is now available on Ancient Faith Radio.
[10/09/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis has given a brief interview on Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) on St Andrew's upcoming Patristic Symposium dedicated to St Athanasius the Great. Click here to listen. There was also an opportunity given to discuss various aspects of the life and goals of St Andrew's Theological College.
[05/09/2012] SYMPOSIUM NEWS: The Patristic Symposium 2012 page has been updated with a pdf version of the Symposium Booklet put together by Dr Philip Kariatlis, as well as the Program for the event.
[27/08/2012] Professor Paul Blowers, the foremost expert on Maximian studies and scholar of patristics, Church history, and early Christianity at the Emmanuel Christian Seminary in Tennessee, USA, was invited to give a presentation via skype on his own research into St Maximus and related topics by Fr Doru Costache for his unit St Maximus the Confessor (TH685A). Professor Blowers also answered questions from members of the college faculty. All participants found this experience both spiritually and academically enriching.
[24/08/2012] Updates have been made to the profile page of the Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, under a new section entitled ‘Creative Works’ where the PDF’s of three of his poetical works in English, including Mother: A Moving Reflection of God, Australian Passport, and Fireworks and Sparrows, are available for download. The original Greek version of his monograph The Infallibility of the Church in Orthodox Theology, translated in 2008 by Dr Philip Kariatlis into English (see here), is also available under ‘Books.'
[24/08/2012] St Andrew’s Friday Seminars series on 'Orthodox Approaches to the Evolutionary Theory' continued this week. Fr Doru Costache gave a presentation entitled ‘Addressing Creation and Evolution: The Traditional Evidence’ which assessed several topics including creationism and evolutionism, patristic attitudes towards science, and addressing the evolutionary paradigm from the viewpoint of tradition. This was followed by a round table with both Fr Doru and Dr Guy Freeland, who addressed several topics pertaining to both this session and the previous.
[10/08/2012] St Andrew's Friday Seminars continue this semester with a two week series on the 'Orthodox Approaches to the Evolutionary Theory' hosted by Dr Guy Freeland. Dr Freeland offered an overview of evolutionary theory pointing out a forgotten development in Charles Darwin's later thought, and Fr Doru Costache gave a presentation entitled 'Addressing the Poem of Creation: The Traditional Evidence' which addressed Genesis 1 as a liturgical poem, highlighting various traditional meanings of the text.
[06/08/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis gave a presentation entitled 'Mary Theotokos in the Orthodox Tradition' for the University of New South Wales Orthodox Fellowship.
[16/07/2012] Mr Dimitri Kepreotes gave a presentation entitled 'St Basil as Educator: Implications from the Address to Youth' during a teacher’s Professional Development day to mark the commencement of Semester 2 at All Saints Grammar.
[16/07/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis gave a presentation entitled 'The Divine Liturgy: An Educational Perspective during a teacher’s Professional Development day to mark the commencement of Semester 2 at All Saints Grammar.
[21/06/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis gave a presentation entitled 'Our mystical vision of God: an Experience of "Dazzling Darkness"' at A Short Course in Orthodox Studies organised by the parishes of St Paraskevi and St Barbara, Blacktown, and St John, Paramatta in conjunction with St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College.
[01/06/2012] Mario Baghos gave a photographic presentation at St Andrew's Friday Seminars entitled 'Constantinople: Monuments and Churches.'
[25/05/2012] Dr Guy Freeland presented at St Andrew's Friday Seminars on 'The Orthodox Diaconate: Male and Female.'
[22/05/2012] Dr Philip Kariatlis' latest podcast entitled The Origin and Historical Context of the Creed for his series 'Theology: The Deeper Breath of the Entire Body of the Church,' is now available on Ancient Faith Radio.
[19/05/2012] SYMPOSIUM NEWS: A number of abstracts for this year's Patristic Symposium on St Athanasius the Great can be viewed here. The link can also be found on the Symposium page of the website, which is updated regularly with news and includes both the reigistration form for this year's Symposium as well as the recordings of the presentations delivered at the previous three.
[18/05/2012] Dimitri Kepreotes gave a photographic presentation at St Andrew's Friday Seminars entitled 'Orthodox Missionary Work in The Congo,' which was based on his recent missionary experiences there.
[17/05/2012] Anastasios Kalogerakis gave a presentation entitled 'How do the Gospels portray Jesus' at A Short Course in Orthodox Studies organised by the parishes of St Paraskevi and St Barbara, Blacktown, and St John, Paramatta in conjunction with St Andrew's Greek Orthodox Theological College.
[16/05/2012] Fr Doru Costache gave a presentation entitled 'The Function of Community, Liturgy and Tradition in the interpretation of Genesis 1: The Byzantine Perspective,' for the research seminars of the department of Studies in Religion at the University of Sydney.
[14/05/2012] Sr Margaret Beirne gave a presentation entitled ‘A hybrid approach: using residential intensives to increase student connection’ for the Sydney College of Divinity’s Professional Development Workshop in a session entitled ‘Improving Interaction in Online Classes.’ Her presentation was based on her experience of St Andrew's residential schools, which are scheduled twice yearly for distance education students enrolled in online units. Sr Margaret is in fact actively involved in the residential program, especially in regards to the organisation and delivery of lectures relating to her units in Biblical Studies.
[12/05/2012] Jeremy Krieg (current postgraduate student) was ordained to the diaconate by His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaion at the Holy Monastery of St Nectarios, Croydon Park (SA).
[12/05/2012] St Andrew’s took part in the twenty?eighth graduation ceremony of the Sydney College of Divinity on 12 May. Over 400 people attended the Great Hall of the University of Sydney to celebrate the academic achievements of 169 graduates from the nine member institutions of the Sydney College of Divinity. The various degrees and awards were presented by the President of the Sydney College of Divinity Council, Mr Peter King.
A distinct honour for St Andrew’s in particular was the presentation of the Diane Feeney Memorial Prize to one of its own, Efstratios Makris, for gaining the highest level of achievement in the Bachelor of Theology pass degree among all of this year’s graduates. He is the third recipient of this prize to have studied at St Andrew’s since the prize was established by the Sydney College of Divinity more than two decades ago. Graduates from St Andrew’s included Dimitrios Siriotis (Master of Arts), John Su (Master of Arts), Theodoros Dimitrios (Bachelor of Theology in absentia), William Le Couilliard (Bachelor of Theology) and Efstratios Makris (Bachelor of Theology).
The Occasional Address was delivered by Dr Les Ball, former Dean of the Brisbane College of Divinity. St Andrew’s was represented in the academic procession by His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, Dr Guy Freeland, Sr Margaret Beirne, Dr Gregory Fox and Anastasios Kalogerakis, with Fr Doru Costache, Fr Constantine Varipatis, Dimitri Kepreotes and Mario Baghos also in attendance.
The latest group of graduates brought to 114 the total number of graduates – receiving 139 Sydney College of Divinity degrees and awards at various levels, but primarily the Bachelor of Theology – since St Andrew's opened in 1986.
[03/05/2012] The website now has a new navigation tab called 'Archive,' where seminars and lectures hosted by the College will be periodically uploaded. Currently, you can listen to the recordings from this year's 'Lenten Lectures' series.
[23/04/2012] From 18-20 April distance education students enrolled in the online units Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to Orthodox Theology (hosted on Moodle) participated in the College’s Autumn Residential School. The residential schools are held twice a year, in Autumn and Spring, to give distance education students a taste of the various aspects of College life and to introduce them to the faculty and their online peers in person. Students attended lectures organised by their respective lecturers, Sr Margaret Beirne (Old Testament) and Dr Philip Kariatlis (Orthodox Theology). These sessions were meant not only to reinforce what they had learned in their online studies thus far, but also to afford them valuable face-to-face lecture time and group work opportunities. Faculty members Fr Doru Costache and Mario Baghos were also invited to give insights into the respective fields of Patristics and Church History. Library tours by Christopher Harvey and assistant librarian Zorka Simich were conducted throughout the duration of the residential school.
The College Sub-Dean, His Grace Bishop Seraphim, addressed the students with the theme ‘Theology and Worship’, emphasising the point that theological education is not separated from worship. As such, the residential program included participation in Matins and Vespers services held in the College Chapel of St John the Evangelist and Theologian and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Annunciation. A pilgrimage to the Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, Mangrove Mountain, was organised on the second day and this allowed students to engage in a conversation with the fathers about how one struggles to bring together learning and living within our Orthodox Christian heritage as exemplified within monasticism.
The College Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, greeted the students on the final day, warmly thanking them for their participation and wished them well for their ongoing studies.
[08/04/2012] Fr Sophronios Konidaris organised a Palm Sunday fundraising luncheon with the assistance of the ladies' auxiliary of his parish. An insightful presentation was delivered by Fr Doru Costache, Senior Lecturer in Patristics, on the multifaceted aspects of College life including the role of the faculty, students, and alumni; the various programs of study; liturgical and pastoral life; scholarship and extra-curricular activities. The slideshow of the presentation can be viewed in full here.
[07/04/2012] Veselin Svorcan (current postgraduate student) was ordained to the diaconate by His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church at the Holy Monastery of St Sava, Elaine (VIC).
[03/04/2012] Mario Baghos gave a presentation entitled 'Anthropocentrism and the Dissociation between Cosmos and History; its Impact on our Study of the Past' for the research seminars of the department of Studies in Religion at the University of Sydney.
[01/04/2012] Anastasios Kalogerakis presented the final Lenten Lecture at St Andrew's entitled 'The Prayer of St Ephraim in Great Lent: Lessons for Christian Living.'
[25/03/2012] Mr Mario Baghos presented the third Lenten Lecture at St Andrew's entitled 'Lenten Insights from the Desert Fathers.'
[18/03/2012] Fr Doru Costache presented the second Lenten Lecture at St Andrew's entitled 'The Reading of the Bible during Great Lent.' The slideshow that accompanied his presentation can be viewed here.
[11/03/2012] Dr Guy Freeland, one of the longest-standing lecturers at St Andrew's, gave the first in a series of Lenten Lectures at St Andrew's entitled 'The Origins of Great Lent, and Great Lent Today.'
[11/03/2012] Peter Anastasiadis (current BTh student) was ordained to the diaconate by His Grace Bishop Seraphim at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Euphemia, Bankstown (NSW). He was also bestowed with the new name 'Prochorus'.
[09/03/2012] Fr Doru Costache participated in the Sydney College of Divinity's research degree workshop. This addressed aspects pertaining to the relationship between supervisors and candidates, the semester-based progress reports for candidates, the progress markers for the five higher research degrees offered by the SCD, and the use of technology in research.
After welcoming everyone His Eminence reflected briefly on the task of theology within the Church and College:
“With God’s blessing we start our twenty-seventh academic year of operation. As I always say from this place, on this day, the beginning of the new academic year, we are aware how much is before us. We are a little college, but our divine ambition is, to be a college not of denominational character, but a college which serves to preserve, and cultivate, the treasures of the first Christian millennium, which all Christians have in common. And it is a tremendous mission, to have such a responsibility undertaken in a country which is not especially known as a religious country. It is a free country, it is a secular state and country, and within this framework we are a few who try to cultivate theology – to do theology if you will; though, theology is not something which can be done. It is something which comes from above. It is an inspiration from above, and from us it is asked that we are only ready to receive [from above], in order to serve our fellow human beings and our time. Theology, as two great figures of the early Church have stated, is prayer. Prayer is theology. If you can pray, you are a theologian; if you can theologise properly, you are a praying person. We have to be people of prayer. These were the statements of Nilus the Ascetic and Evagrius of Pontus. Both have stressed this importance of prayer. Prayer without tears is impossible. How can we communicate with God the invisible? How can we speak of God the invisible? [ ... ] You see, the human language is unable to define God. So God is a mystery. It is more appropriate to call him a mystery. And he has been called a mysterium tremendum, a tremendous mystery; mysterium fascinosum, a fascinating mystery; and my humble person tries to add a third dimension in the mystery of God, a mysterium salvificum, a salvific mystery is God. So we are striving not for knowledge alone; knowledge is good, but it is only the raw material to theologise. We have more the ambition to meet salvation, salvation in our college, salvation in our Church, and salvation in our community at large. I welcome you all to the new academic year …”
The Dean also warmly welcomed the two first-year students: Dimmitri Christou (Melbourne), and Markellos Margelis (Sydney). He also welcomed back Peter Anastasiadis (Sydney), who will be commencing this year at the third year level of the undergraduate program. His Eminence wished them all enlightenment from above and patience, exhorting them to work together with their peers and the faculty in order to fulfill the responsibilities and tasks of our small college: to disseminate the treasures and institutions of the first Christian millennium.
The customary group photograph in the courtyard of the College was followed by a luncheon generously prepared by the tireless ladies’ auxiliary of the Archdiocese.
[24/02/2012] Dr John Lee delivered his second series of lectures at Oxford University as the Grinfield Lecturer in the Septuagint for 2011-2012 from 20-23 February. His three lectures were titled: ‘The Pentateuch Translators’ Collaboration’; ‘The Literary Greek of Isaiah’ and ‘Freedom of Choice in the Greek Pentateuch’.
[01/02/2012] The Daily Scripture Reading Guide for 2012 is now available as a free PDF download. Please note that this lectionary is intended as a general guide for personal use for those who wish to follow the pattern of daily readings prescribed by the Orthodox Church through the year. It is not intended for liturgical use except for Sundays as well as major feast days of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the Mother of God. Orthodox Church calendars are readily available online. You may also consult your parish priest for the readings used in your parish or contact the Theological College. Each year a limited print run is produced by the Theological College and distributed to parishes across Australia. Information is taken from the Kanonion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the lectionary found on pages 1767-1774 in The Orthodox Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, 2008).
[11/12/2011] Deacon Leonidas Ioannou (BTh '11) was ordained to the priesthood by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis at the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Lord's Presentation, Coburg (VIC) where he also serves.
22/11/2011] The College's new website was launched today after several weeks of preparatory work. It contains information about the College's activities and offerings and it is hoped that the site will prove useful for prospective students and visitors. Acknowledgement and deep appreciation are owed to those volunteers who assisted the College with previous versions of the website during the past ten years: Paul Karantonis, Michael Ibrahim and Vasily Makeev.
[13/11/2011] Deacon John Athanasiou (MA '08) was ordained to the priesthood by His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaion at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nektarios, Dianella (WA). Deacon Nectarios Joannou (current BTh student) was ordained to the priesthood by His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael, Crows Nest (NSW).
[09/10/2011] Deacon Peter Mavrommatis (BTh '98) was ordained to the priesthood by His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Stylianos, Gymea (NSW).
[20/09/2011] The latest publication from St Andrew's Orthodox Press is titled St Basil the Great: Address to Youth and is now available for order. Please follow the link to the Press' website for more details.
[19/09/2011] Father Eusebios (BTh ’07) was enthroned by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos as the new Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Pantanassa, Mangrove Mountain (NSW), during Vespers on 17 September. Also present were His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, Reverend Clergy, and many attendees from numerous parishes around Sydney and interstate. Prior to this, Father Eusebios had been conferred the title of 'Archimandrite' by Bishop Iakovos during Great Vespers for the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September.
[31/08/2011] The Opening Night of this year's Patristic Symposium, dedicated to St Gregory of Nyssa, was enjoyed by more than eighty attendees from theological colleges, universities, parishes, and the general public. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos opened the proceedings with prayer and his welcoming address which introduced the figure of St Gregory. This was followed by the first of the Symposium's two keynote presentations, that by Dr Anna Silvas (UNE, Armidale NSW). The evening's proceedings concluded with the book launch of Church as Communion: The Gift and Goal of Koinonia, written by Dr Philip Kariatlis, Lecturer in Systematic Theology. The book - originally a doctoral dissertation and now published by ATF Press and St Andrew's Orthodox Press - was warmly commended by the Rev. Assoc. Prof. Gerard Kelly, Principal of the Catholic Institute of Sydney, who had served as the doctoral supervisor of this work.
[07/08/2011] Deacon George Liangas (part time postgraduate student) was ordained to the priesthood by His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias at the Greek Orthodox Church of All Saints, Belmore (NSW).
[04/07/2011] The Committee on the Translation of Liturgical Texts (CTLT) of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia recently published its latest work through St Andrew's Orthodox Press, a bilingual edition of the Orthodox Funeral Service.
[27/06/2011] Peter Mavrommatis (BTh '98) was ordained to the diaconate by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos on 26 June at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Spyridon, Kingsford (NSW).
[28/05/2011] John Athanasiou (MA '08) was ordained to the diaconate by His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaion at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, Northbridge (WA).
[24/05/2011] The Thanksgiving Service for College graduates was celebrated on 23 May. The evening's proceedings began with a Doxological Service chanted by students, past and present. His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, as Dean, conferred the graduates with the College's Ecclesiastical Degree and read a benediction over them. In his address to the congregation of faculty, distinguished guests and members of the general public, His Eminence emphasised the responsibility that comes with the task of theological education, stating “our graduates are called to work and follow in the footsteps of the Apostles.” His Eminence acknowledged the ongoing efforts of staff and colleagues in accomplishing the difficult task of providing theological education, citing especially the long-standing collaboration and affiliation with the Sydney College of Divinity. The Dean concluded by wishing that the graduates show themselves worthy of the trust of the Church and society as a whole.
Honouring this important occasion with their presence were His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, Sub-Dean; His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis; Prof. Diane Speed, Dean of the Sydney College of Divinity (SCD); Rev. Associate Professor Gerard Kelly, Principal of the Catholic Institute of Sydney; Lieutenant-Colonel John Hodge, Principal of the Salvation Army Booth College; Rev. Dennis Nutt and other Colleagues from within the Sydney College of Divinity and its Member Institutions; Professor Raymond Nobbs, Former Dean of the SCD, and Professor Alanna Nobbs, Head of the Ancient History Department at Macquarie University; Dr Vivienne Keely, Roman Catholic Diocese of Parramatta, and Former Director of Research of the Sydney College of Divinity; Reverend Clergy and Archdiocesan Council Members. There were also College alumni and representatives from the various committees of the College and the Archdiocese.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees were bestowed as noted below:
Bachelor of Theology with Honours (four year program of study): Mario Baghos (NSW) and Vasilios Gioutlou (VIC). Bachelor of Theology with Graduate Diploma of Arts (four year program of study): Daniel Bellis (VIC), Emilios Kaos (VIC) and Dimitrios Siriotis (NSW). Bachelor of Theology: Deacon Leonidas Ioannou (VIC) and Vasily Makeev (NSW). Master of Arts: Socrates Dokos (NSW), John Nikolas (NSW) and Presbytera Helen Vesic (NSW). Graduate Diploma of Arts: Rev. Fr Antonio Cagnoni (VIC) and Michael Ibrahim (NSW). Graduate Certificate in Arts: Michael Coursaris (NSW) and Alexandra Magnisallis (NSW) in absentia.
The latest group of graduates brought to 110 the total number of graduates – receiving 134 Sydney College of Divinity degrees and awards at various levels, but primarily the Bachelor of Theology – since St Andrew's opened in 1986.
Most of the aforementioned graduates were also present at the Sydney College of Divinity Graduation Ceremony on 21 May along with more than 100 graduates and 500 attendees from other member colleges of the SCD. Here they were presented their respective degrees in the Great Hall of Sydney University by the President of the SCD Council, Mr Peter King. A distinct honour for St Andrew’s Theological College in particular was the fact that the Occasional Address was delivered by one of its graduates of the recent past, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis, who reflected upon the reading from St Paul’s Letter to Timothy and the theme of Christian service.
[18/04/2011] The College hosted its first series of residential schools for undergraduate and postgraduate distance education students between 11 & 14 April. Students from Sydney and Melbourne were welcomed by the Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, during the first morning's program. Throughout their stay they participated in communal worship, communal eating, library sessions, lectures, peer interaction and discussion sessions as an important complement to their weekly online learning experience during the semester. The residential schools were part of the units Introduction to Orthodox Theology, delivered by Dr Philip Kariatlis, and Introduction to the New Testament, delivered by Sr Margaret Beirne.
[16/03/2011] The College was blessed to welcome His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Church along with the distinguished professor of the Theological Faculty of the University of Belgrade, His Grace Bishop Maxim (Vasiljevic) of Western America. The two were warmly greeted by the College Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, and introduced to staff and students, and afforded a tour of the premises.
[27/02/2011] Leonidas Ioannou (BTh '11) was ordained to the diaconate by His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis at the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Lord's Presentation, Coburg (VIC), where he serves. He also works as a trained iconographer.
[20/02/2011] Bishop-elect Iakovos of Miletoupolis was ordained to the episcopate by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia and Their Graces Bishops Ezekiel of Dervis, Seraphim of Apollonias and Nikandros of Dorylaion. Concelebrating in the Cathedral of the Annunciation, Redfern (NSW), were Athonite Hieromonk Damaskinos and several Clergy from around Australia. Archimandrite Iakovos Tsigounis (BTh ’96) had been unanimously elected Bishop of Miletoupolis by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on 11 January.
[19/02/2011] The College’s silver jubilee occasioned much joy and thanksgiving as it brought together many from around Australia for three special events, each of which in its own way bore testimony to the significance of St Andrew’s for the Church here in Australia.
The first of these events on 18 February, was the reunion of graduates with former classmates and lecturers coupled with the doxology for the official opening of the academic year at the College, a doxology which has taken place each year since 1986 and which has been vital to the College’s journey. As a centre of theological learning and student formation for a quarter of a century, the College’s progress from year to year has not only been built upon the tireless efforts of the lecturers and staff and the dedication of students to study ‘sacred letters’ and to open themselves to the Lord and His calling in whatever manner that may manifest itself. It has also been built upon the prayer and worship offered up to the Lord by so many who found themselves in the small College Chapel of St John the Evangelist and Theologian and throughout each parish and monastery of our Church across Australia, and in particular during each episcopal divine liturgy where our Lord God is asked by the presiding hierarch to remember “those who teach and those who are taught within our Theological College; along with those who support and show benefaction towards it”.
On this day, the small Chapel of no more than fifty square metres, canvassed with iconography and resonating with familiar chant, embraced within its sandstone walls five hierarchs, an abbot of a monastery, and numerous staff, students and graduates, both clergy and lay. The Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, warmly welcomed all those present including Their Graces Bishops Ezekiel of Dervis, Seraphim of Apollonias (College Sub-Dean), Nikandros of Dorylaion, along with Bishop-elect Iakovos of Miletoupolis who began his student years at the College with the same doxology back in February 1992. He further welcomed the newly appointed Abbot of the Holy Monastery of ‘Panagia Pantanassa’ in Mangrove Mountain, Father Eusebios, another of the College’s graduates born and raised in Melbourne, and acknowledged the tireless contribution to the Church of the retired abbot, Father Stephanos, His Eminence’s first Vicar-General upon his arrival in Australia in the mid-1970s.
Moved by the reunion gathering of so many graduates with their families and friends, His Eminence thanked our Lord for the many blessings he has bestowed upon the Church here in Australia and upon the College, the mere existence and continuing operation of which is a tangible miracle of God in a country such as Australia which too often seems to underestimate the need for the promotion and support of theological education in contrast to Europe and North America.
Not least, His Eminence wholeheartedly welcomed the two first-year seminarian students: Stefan Mastilovic (New Zealand – Serbian Orthodox Church, with referral from His Grace Bishop Irinej) and George Vrionis (Melbourne). He presented both with a critical edition of the Greek New Testament, the traditional gift bestowed upon each new seminarian.
The luncheon which followed the doxology was hosted and served by the volunteers of the NSW Ladies Auxiliary, all of whom rejoiced at re-kindling past acquaintances, and who were warmly thanked by His Eminence.
The evening’s Anniversary Dinner, hosted by St Andrew’s Brotherhood, was the second special event. It attracted around 520 people from parishes, schools, and organisations within NSW as well as guests from interstate to the scenic Nick’s Bar & Grill Restaurant along King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour. Official guests included the Hon. John Hatzistergos, NSW Attorney General, who conveyed the greetings of the Premier; Mr Peter King, President of the Sydney College of Divinity which accredits and cooperates with St Andrew’s for the purposes of tertiary theological education; Profs Diane Speed and Raymond Nobbs, current and former Deans of the Sydney College of Divinity respectively; and the Rev. Associate Prof. Gerard Kelly, Principal of the Catholic Institute and long-time friend and supporter of the College. Dr Theo Penklis, President of the Brotherhood, and Mrs Marianne Penklis were warmly thanked for assisting His Grace Bishop Seraphim with the tremendous organisation of the event.
Bishop-elect Iakovos captured the theme of the evening, the truth that life within the Church is an expression of life within a family where all members are related to one another personally; and on a larger Church level, where all parishes, schools, organisations, and the Theological College, are all intimately related to one another and vital to one another. Though a gifted preacher, he preferred only a few words of thanks to all, especially to His Eminence, but most importantly to God, and expressed his feeling of awe before his forthcoming consecration and publicly asked forgiveness from all present. His Eminence followed with words of thanks of his own, remembering in particular the many non-Orthodox Christians who supported the founding of the College and contributed to its progress over the years. He further added that as an institution established primarily for the preparation of clergy, it was a sign of the College’s maturity that one of its own was soon to be consecrated a bishop, a landmark for the local Church.
During the evening special acknowledgements were made of Sir Arthur George, major benefactor of the College with his late wife Lady Renee George; the late Chrissie Paspalis, major benefactor of the College, represented that evening by her children Peter and Helene Coombes; as well as Dr John Lee, Dr Guy Freeland, and Dr James Athanasou, long-serving members of the College Faculty.
The function brought to a close a wonderful day of thanksgiving and celebration which would lead to the third special event two days later, namely the consecration of His Grace Bishop-elect Iakovos of Miletoupolis, the first College graduate and Australian-born to be elevated to the rank of the episcopate by the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
May the years of the Theological College be many and blessed as those who labour therein strive to serve the Church and to meet its pastoral needs, with the prayers and support of all the faithful.
[19/02/2011] Manuel Aroney, retired professor of chemistry at the University of Sydney, and long-time member of the College's admissions committee, passed away in the early hours of 15 February, aged 78. His Grace Bishop Seraphim celebrated his funeral today at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Spyridon, Kingsford, conveying also the condolences of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos. May his memory be eternal.
[01/02/2011] Fr Evmenios Vasilopoulos (BTh ’07, MA ’08) was given the blessing to hear confessions by His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos during Great Vespers for the Feast of Our Lord’s Presentation at the celebrating parish in Coburg (VIC).
[18/01/2011] Menelaos Hatzoglou (part time undergraduate student) was ordained to the diaconate by His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Dervis, at the Greek Orthodox Church of St Athanasios, Springvale (VIC), where he also serves.
