The speech delivered by Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece in Kavala focused on the relationship between the Church and nature, as well as the interpretation of Orthodox theology in relation to the sciences. During his visit to Kavala, he was honored with an honorary doctorate by the Department of Physics at the School of Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH).
Invited by Metropolitan Stephanos of Philippi, Neapolis, and Thassos, Archbishop Ieronymos participated in the centenary celebrations for the establishment of the Holy Metropolis of Philippi. He met with the Rector of Democritus University, Fotis Maris, and other university officials during his stay.
In his speech titled “The World as a Surprise”, Archbishop Ieronymos explored the connection between theology and science, highlighting the significance of matter for the Orthodox Church, particularly in relation to the Incarnation of Christ. He discussed humanity’s evolving perception of matter throughout history, from ancient times to modernity.
Reflecting on the views of philosophers from antiquity, such as Aristotle, Pythagoras, and Plato, Archbishop Ieronymos emphasized the ongoing quest to understand the origins of the world and the first principle. He also delved into the evolution of humanity’s understanding of creation and God, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Addressing the role of religions in the modern world, Archbishop Ieronymos emphasized the importance of maintaining a spiritual perspective amidst secularization and technological advancements. He underscored the belief in the communion between God and the world through Jesus Christ in Orthodox theology.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas