Doxology Services to Mark the Commencement of the New Academic Year

[Group photo following the Doxology Service in Redfern]

St Andrew’s Theological College commenced its thirty-fourth academic year with its traditional annual Doxology Service in the Chapel of St John the Evangelist and Theologian, but also with a Doxology Service at the Holy Monastery of ‘Axion Estin’ in Northcote, Victoria, to celebrate a new initiative: the beginning of facilitation classes in theology for distance education students residing in Melbourne.

Today, the College Sub Dean, His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, officiated at the Doxology Service in the College Chapel amongst a gathering of faculty members, staff, alumni, students and guests. The College was honoured by the presence of His Grace Bishop Nikandros of Dorylaeon, visiting from Adelaide.

His Grace began his address by noting solemnly the absence of our College Dean, His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, who, for the very first time in the College’s history, was unable to preside at the opening service himself due to frail health. His Grace stated that whilst His Eminence was absent in body, he was present in spirit, and that the College staff would carry on as best as possible the work to which His Eminence had devoted himself beyond measure for so many years.

His Grace pointed out that the College serves more than sixty students from various parts of Australia, including a few from overseas, most of whom are studying part time and online. Some were in attendance at the Doxology and for the residential program. He also gave thanks for the small group of full time students living within the campus dormitory and enriching the daily life of our College, and expressed his appreciation to the staff for their dedication to the mission of the College.

His Grace then presented a copy of the critical edition of the Greek New Testament to new seminarian students on behalf of His Eminence. The customary group photograph in the courtyard of the College was followed by a lunch generously prepared by ladies from the Central Philoptohos Committee of the Archdiocese in Sydney.

The previous month, on 8 February, the Holy Monastery of ‘Axion Estin’ in Northcote hosted a Doxology to mark the commencement of theological classes for distance education students residing in Melbourne. The service was officiated by His Grace Bishop Ezekiel of Derbe, in the presence of His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Apollonias, and college alumnus His Grace Bishop Iakovos of Miletoupolis. This College event was honoured by the participation of chanters from the David the Psalmist Byzantine Choir of Melbourne.

His Grace Bishop Seraphim, as College Sub Dean, addressed the congregation of clergymen, students, alumni, and parishioners, and described this new initiative as a form of outreach and mission on the part of the College as it strives in many and various ways to promote and impart theological learning amongst the faithful for their edification and for the building up of Christ’s Church.

The event was generously supported by the parish priests and volunteers of the Holy Monastery who hosted a light supper after the service before the new students commenced their orientation seminar and introductory lecture.

[Scenes from the Doxology Service in the Holy Monastery of 'Axion Estin', Melbourne]