Public Lecture by Sub-Dean

On Sunday 4 May 2025, Assoc. Prof. Philip Kariatlis, Sub-Dean of St Andrew’s College presented a lecture at the St James Institute which is an adult educational organisation established in 2007 as part of the ministry of the Parish of St James’ King Street, Sydney (the oldest Anglican Church in Sydney). The Institute contributes to the mission of the parish by providing an education and spiritual formation programme which enable people to explore and develop faith, and to be informed about the place of religion in contemporary society. The topic of the lecture was: “Icons: Glimpses into Eternity” which drew attention that icons draw us into the mystery of God’s presence; that they serve as visual hymns of praise, lifting our hearts beyond the image to the Person it represents—Christ, the Virgin Mary, or the saints. Furthermore, Dr Kariatlis noted that icons are rooted in the truth of the Incarnation and proclaim that the eternal Word took on flesh and became visible and so can be reverently depicted. In his theological reflection he brought attention to the fact that icons, in their quiet, contemplative beauty, remind us that death has been overcome in Christ. They speak without words of heaven’s nearness and allow us to glimpse eternity breaking into the present.