“Come and see!” These were the words with which the Apostle Philip invited Nathanael to come to know Christ, and which His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia used when addressing the large audience gathered for the Open Day organised in Melbourne on Monday, 9 November, by St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College in Sydney.

The Archbishop, who is also Dean of the Theological College, delivered the keynote address of the event, entitled “The Joy of Learning – Exploring Faith, Wisdom and the Richness of Hellenism”. In his introductory remarks, he referred to his vision for the continuous development of the College, observing that “from the very beginning of my archiepiscopal ministry in Australia, one of my deepest desires has been to provide students with an educational environment worthy of the standards of higher education in the 21st century”. “To this end,” he continued, “our Holy Archdiocese has allocated significant resources towards the establishment of new facilities, specifically designed to meet the needs of St Andrew’s Theological College, with modern infrastructure that supports academic excellence and spiritual cultivation. God willing, we will move into these new premises in 2027, inaugurating a new and particularly significant chapter in the history of the College.”

His Eminence then focused on the equally important expansion of the academic programmes offered by the College. “Alongside Theology,” he explained, “we have introduced new fields of study, including Canon Law. This year, we launched the postgraduate programme in Greek Philosophy, while in 2027 we will offer a new Diploma in Greek Language, which will also be available to interested students in Melbourne, with dedicated classes conducted here. These initiatives reflect a fundamental conviction that lies at the heart of my vision for St Andrew’s College: that Orthodox Theology, the pursuit of wisdom and the cultural heritage of Hellenism can contribute meaningfully to the spiritual cultivation and fulfilment of the human person.”

The Archbishop subsequently turned his attention to the deeper purpose of theological education, which, as he emphasised, “is not simply to acquire knowledge about God, but to come to know God Himself personally”. He made particular reference to the importance of Greek philosophy, speaking with pride about the newly established postgraduate programme in Greek Philosophy at the Theological College in Sydney. “I have always believed that the relationship between Theology and Philosophy can be exceptionally fruitful,” he emphasised, before vividly outlining the productive encounter between ancient Greek philosophical thought and Christian teaching.

Referring, finally, to the introduction in 2027 of the new accredited Diploma in Greek Language, he described it as “another initiative that fills my heart with particular joy”. “As the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, we have a sacred responsibility to cultivate and pass on this precious inheritance of Hellenism to future generations,” he underlined.

In concluding, His Eminence connected Theology, Philosophy and the Greek language with the broader educational vision of St Andrew’s Theological College, which, as he pointed out, seeks “to produce not merely graduates who have acquired knowledge and academic qualifications, but people with cultivated minds, open hearts and transformed lives”. Finally, he expressed his gratitude to the academic and administrative staff of the College for their dedication and service, while encouraging those interested in studying at the College to take the first step towards enrolling.

The event, which was hosted by the Parish of the Presentation of the Our Lady to the Temple in North Balwyn, Melbourne, also featured an address by the Sub-Dean of the Theological College, Associate Professor Philip Kariatlis, entitled “The Transformative Power of Theology”. In addition, students delivered brief presentations, sharing their personal experiences, while the Registrar of the College, Deacon Fr Panayioti Constanti, provided prospective students with information about its academic programmes. The event was also honoured by the presence of His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora and the Archons of the Holy Great Church of Christ, Mr Marios Kalogiannis and Mr Tony Tsourdalakis.