His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Greece officiated the traditional Blessing Ceremony to mark the beginning of the new academic year at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Rector, the Vice-Rectors, the members of the Administration Council, and the University Senate.
In his address, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Rector of the University, warmly thanked His Beatitude for his presence and blessing, as well as for the invaluable work undertaken by both the Church of Greece and the Archbishop himself.
He went on to highlight the University’s notable achievements over the past academic year, its active collaborations with leading academic Institutions abroad, and the recent establishment of its first Branch in Cyprus. He also extended his sincere gratitude to the Church of Cyprus, and especially to its Prelate, Archbishop Georgios, for their significant contribution to the founding of the new Branch, asking His Beatitude, Archbishop Ieronymos II, to convey the University’s appreciation. The Archbishop praised the historic step of establishing a University Branch in Cyprus and congratulated all those involved—the Rector and his colleagues—for their instrumental role in making this important development a reality.
The Archbishop, addressing the Rector, the Vice-Rectors, the members of the Administration Council, and the University Senate emphasized, on the occasion of the prayer that was read, the importance of education and, in particular, the need to seize every opportunity to embrace and nurture it. His Beatitude wished everyone a good and productive academic year, filled with good health, love, and success.
Accompanying the Archbishop were the Bishop of Tanagra, Apostolos, and the Archdeacon, Rev. Dimitrios Fokianos.
This was the third consecutive academic year that the Archbishop officiated the blessing to mark its start.
Rector’s Address to the University of Athens Community as the New Academic Year Begins
Dear students, faculty, and colleagues,
On behalf of the Rectory Authorities, the Administration Council, and the University Senate, I warmly wish you good health, renewed energy, and every success as you embark on this new academic year!
As the oldest and largest Higher Educational Institution in Greece, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is proud of its ongoing growth and pursuit of excellence, made possible by the dedication and effort of its academic and administrative staff.
Our enduring commitment to advancing knowledge and serving society remains at the heart of everything we do.
Over the past academic year, the University established joint educational programmes with leading Institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Exeter, California, and Sorbonne. This year, we move forward with a vision that looks beyond Greece’s borders. We are especially proud of the Senate’s unanimous decision to open a Branch of our University in Cyprus—a historic step that further strengthens our presence in the international academic landscape.
With our students at the centre of everything we do, we will continue to work together this year, aiming even higher.
With heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your trust and commitment, I wish you all a successful and inspiring academic year ahead!
The Rector
Gerasimos Siasos
Professor of Cardiology
