A/Prof. Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean, was invited on Monday 10th August to deliver a guest lecture at St Cyril’s Coptic Orthodox Theological College as part of its new unit entitled Anthropology.

His lecture, “Created in the Image, Called to the Likeness: The Human Person within the Horizon of Eternity,” explored the Christian understanding of the human person as created in the image and likeness of God and called to continual growth and transformation in Christ.

Drawing upon Scripture and the rich witness of the Church Fathers, A/Prof. Kariatlis emphasised that Christian anthropology is fundamentally Christological and eschatological: the human person is understood not simply in terms of what they presently are, but in light of what they have been created to become. Christ, as the true Image of God, reveals both the fullness of authentic humanity and its ultimate destiny—participation, by grace, in the life and glory of God.

The lecture also explored the significance of Christian anthropology for counselling and pastoral care, highlighting the irreducible dignity, freedom and relational character of every person. Particular emphasis was placed upon seeing the person before the problem, recognising that suffering, trauma or illness never exhausts a person’s identity or diminishes their God-given vocation towards healing, communion and transformation.

The guest lecture provided a valuable opportunity for theological exchange and further strengthened the warm relationship between St Andrew’s and St Cyril’s Theological Colleges.