Archbishop Stylianos Reposed in the Lord
It is with great earthly sadness that we at St Cyril’s Theological College convey the news of the repose in Christ of Archbishop Stylianos, the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia. His Eminence completed a Doctorate in Divinity in Athens, followed by a post-graduate degree in Theology from the University of Bonn, studying under Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI). Elevated to the Archbishopric in 1975, His Eminence led the Australian Greek Orthodox faithful, who number half a million, for a remarkable 44 years. A world-class Systematic Theologian, celebrated poet and passionate advocate for Orthodoxy in the diaspora, His Eminence, as leader of one of the largest archdioceses in the world, has left an indelible mark on the life of Orthodoxy in modern times.
Most significant for us at St Cyril’s, is His Eminence’s founding of St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College in 1986. As the first accredited Orthodox Theological college in the southern hemisphere, it became a beacon for Eastern Christian education in this country. More telling was His Eminence’s vision for St Andrew’s, which threw its doors open to all who wanted to study. Many of St Cyril’s Faculty have at one time or another been students at St Andrew’s. Some were privileged enough to have been taught by His Eminence personally. When St Cyril’s began the process of accreditation with the SCD, we wrote a letter to His Eminence informing him, and thanking Him for the quiet contribution of his past support. His Eminence responded with a beautiful letter of congratulations, with his Episcopal blessings for our work. History thus records not only his tireless service for the Greek community in Australia, but also the great positive contribution he had on the Coptic Orthodox Church.
Much more can be said about Archbishop Stylianos. It seems perhaps fitting, on this day, filled with earthly sadness, and Heavenly joy, to reflect on the His Eminence’s poetry:
“For the great artist
There is no minor, or major work.
When a painter looks at his work, he sees his work;
When God wants you in life, He wants His work
And when he wants you in death, He wants His work.”
Αἰωνία ἡ μνήμη!
Memory eternal!
Remember us before Our Lord, Your Eminence!
