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The Theological School of the University and the Metropolitan of Athens

• Παπαμιχαήλ, Γρηγόριος

In this article by the late editor of «Theologia», Gregory Papamichael, which is also a reprint from the first issue of the periodical, the author relates the series of events which took place within the circle of the faculty of the Theological School and the assistance which it rendered to Chrysostomos I, Papadopoulos leading to his election as head of the Greek Church in 1923. Prior to his election as Archbishop, Chrysostomos Papadopoulos was a professor of the Theological School. During its meeting of February 13, 1923, the faculty of the Theological School unanimously voted a resolution to be delivered to the presiding hierarch of the Holy Synod, to the Minister of Education and Ecclesiastical Affairs, and to the President of the Government. In this resolution the Theological School suggested Archimandrite Chrysostomos Papadopoulos as the most suitable candidate for the vacant archiépiscopal throne of Athens. After this resolution had been delivered, the Theological School formally expressed the opinion that the then functioning Holy Synod could elect the new Archbishop, and that the election would be both canonical and legally valid. Thus, during its March 8th session, the Holy Synod elected Chrysostomos Papadopoulos as the new Archbishop. The faculty of the Theological School, following the ordination of the new Archbishop, by previous decision, proceeded to the residence of the Metropolitan where the dean of the Theological School expressed, on behalf of the School, its congratulations to the newly ordained Head of the Church. Later, during its meeting of March 12, the dean of the Theological School moved that Archbishop Chrysostomos I be made professor emeritus. This motion was unanimously accepted by the faculty, and after the necessary steps had been taken, the University honored with this title its former distinguished and eminent professor (April 25). On May 23rd the new Archbishop visited the Theological School both as a colleague and as Archbishop, and called upon the School to assist, contribute and cooperate in the work of the Church.

• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion

• Θεολογία