Graduation ceremony for students of Saint Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney

On Sunday 23 July 2023, in an atmosphere of spiritual joy and emotion, the graduation ceremony for the students of Saint Andrew’s Theological College, in Sydney, took place.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady, in Redfern, where a Doxology was conducted by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, who was accompanied by Their Graces, Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis and Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, The Chancellor of the Holy Archdiocese Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne Christophoros Krikelis, and likewise by other clergy. In addition to the graduates, there were also present many members of the academic staff of the Theological College, led by Associate Professor and Sub-Dean, Dr. Philip Kariatlis.

His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, as Shepherd and Dean of the Theological College, addressed spiritual words of edification to the new graduates, who are destined to contribute to the Church and society. He urged them paternally to walk in a Christlike way throughout their lives, in whichever way they decide to dedicate themselves and to offer a Christian witness within society.  He also implored the graduates to remain united around their spiritual alma mater, Saint Andrew’s Theological College, whose work has become significant for the spiritual progress of the Orthodox Church in Australia.

Afterwards, Archbishop Makarios awarded the degrees to the graduates who were present and wished, to each and every one of them separately, that God may bless their works during their subsequent lives and careers.

A modest reception followed in the Great Hall of Saint Andrew’s Theological College.

Students graduating with undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications were acknowledged as noted below:

Deacon Ignatius Hanna (Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies)

Fr Theodore Pantanassiotis (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Fr Maximos Pantanassiotis (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Johnny Rabahi (Bachelor of Theology)

Alexander Sen (Bachelor of Theology)

Christian Farinaccio (Master of Theological Studies)

Anne Kazas-Rogaris (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Joanna Krikelis (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Christine Menounos (Diploma of Christian Studies)

John Dolianitis (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Evyenia Dolianitis (Diploma of Christian Studies)

In Absentia:

Revd Fr Terry Gerovasilis (Bachelor of Theology)

Christos Anagnostakos (Bachelor of Theology)

Kimon Giannopoulos (Master of Theological Studies)

Adam Wesselinoff (Master of Theological Studies)

Mustafa (Giorgios) Diktas (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Demetrios Hughes (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Hercules Kollias (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

George Varipatis (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

Peter Zourdis (Graduate Diploma of Theological Studies)

+Peter Kozaitis (Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies) (d. 16/05/2023)

Roula Nicolacopoulos (Diploma of Christian Studies)

This latest group of graduates brought to 241 the total number of graduates (including 78 ordained clergymen) – receiving 281 SCD degrees and awards at various levels, but primarily the Bachelor of Theology – since St Andrew’s opened in 1986.

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