On 10 September 2026, Associate Professor Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College, was invited to deliver a keynote address at the Sofia Forum, an initiative of the University of Sydney Orthodox Fellowship, held at the Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia in Redfern.

Entitled “Why Are We Never Satisfied? St Isaac the Syrian on the Search for Lasting Joy,” the address drew upon the spiritual wisdom of the seventh-century ascetic St Isaac the Syrian to explore the perennial human search for happiness and fulfilment. The presentation reflected on the tendency to seek lasting happiness in possessions, experiences, achievement, recognition and material security. While acknowledging the goodness of many of these things, he suggested that they cannot ultimately satisfy the deepest longing of the human heart, since human beings seek not merely temporary happiness but a joy and freedom that reach beyond the limitations of time and even death.

Drawing on St Isaac, the address presented the Christian spiritual life as an inner journey of joyful transformation, in which lasting fulfilment is discovered through communion with God. Particular attention was given to St Isaac’s teachings on interiority, renunciation, humility and self-giving love as a pathway by which the restless human heart can discover enduring peace and joy.