The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines are pleased to announce the graduation and send our congratulations to two members of our Archdiocese.
Deacon Jason Israel (BTh, MTh)
Deacon Jason Israel completed the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in 2016 and graduated in 2017 with majors in Theology and Pastoral Theology.
Deacon Jason continued on for further studies and completed the Master of Theology (MTh) in 2021 and graduated in 2022 with a specialisation in Biblical Studies.
Melhem Makdessi (BTh)
Melhem Makdessi completed the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in 2021 and graduated in 2022 with majors in Theology and Pastoral Theology.
The College
These graduates completed their studies at Saint Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Theological College (SAGOTC) which is a part of the Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and a member institution of the Sydney College of Divinity for Australian Accreditation.
The Graduation Celebration
Their Graduation was celebrated on the 19th of June 2022 at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady, (Redfern, NSW). His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, as College Dean, recited a benediction over the graduates and conferred them with the College’s ecclesiastical certificate. His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios participated in support of the two Antiochian Graduates.
You can read more on this occasion here:
https://www.sagotc.edu.au/news/graduation-doxology-saint-andrew’s-theological-college-sydney
We extend our gratitude to Deacon Jason Israel (BTh, MTh) and Melhem Makdessi (BTh) for their hard work and dedication to completing these degrees in Theology.
We pray that through their studies and efforts, they will bear fruit in Christ’s Vineyard where:
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few.” Matthew 9:37
