In a grand ceremony held on Wednesday, May 7, at the Great Hall of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia was conferred the title of Honorary Doctor by the Faculty of Theology and the Department of Social Theology and Religious Studies.
The event, attended by prominent figures of the Orthodox Church and Greek society, underscored the deep ties between the Greek diaspora and the academic and ecclesiastical traditions of Greece.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece, who honoured both the recipient and the university with their attendance.
In his address, NKUA Rector Professor Gerasimos Siasos praised Archbishop Makarios, stating, “In your person, we see the embodiment of an inspired hierarch, whose preaching and ideas inspire not only the Orthodox faithful but all humanity.” Siasos also paid tribute to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, noting his unique distinction as an Honorary Doctor of all NKUA faculties and his lifelong service to Orthodoxy and Hellenism worldwide.
The Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Professor Emmanouil Karageorgoudis, presented an overview of Archbishop Makarios’ life and contributions, highlighting his journey from Crete to becoming a leading figure in the Orthodox Church. Born in Heraklion, Crete, Makarios studied at the Rizareios Ecclesiastical School and NKUA’s Faculty of Theology before pursuing advanced studies at prestigious institutions like Boston University and Harvard. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Crete’s Medical School earned him a distinction, reflecting his profound academic rigor.
Archbishop Makarios’ contributions extend beyond academia. Since his unanimous election as Archbishop of Australia in 2019 by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he has revitalised the Orthodox community in Australia. His initiatives include founding schools for Greek language education, upgrading the St. Andrew’s Theological College in Sydney, and establishing a School of Byzantine Music. He has also championed social outreach, organising charitable programs and expanding care for the elderly.
In his keynote address titled “Vox Populi on the Internet: The Modern Threat to Ecclesiastical and Democratic Consciousness,” Archbishop Makarios offered a compelling theological and sociological analysis of the challenges posed by digital media in shaping public and ecclesiastical discourse. His speech captivated the audience, reinforcing his reputation as a thought leader in contemporary Orthodoxy.
The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including former Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, former Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos, and Australia’s Ambassador to Greece Alison Duncan, symbolized the enduring connection between Greece and its diaspora. It also highlighted NKUA’s pivotal role in fostering theological scholarship and its strong bonds with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece.
Archbishop Makarios’ recognition as an Honorary Doctor marks a moment of pride for Greeks worldwide, celebrating his contributions to faith, education, and the global Hellenic community.