Archbishop Makarios of Australia highlighted the Orthodox Church’s stance on technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, during a sermon at Saint Catherine’s Parish in Mascot, Sydney. Speaking to a congregation that gathered on Sunday, the Archbishop affirmed that the Church is not technophobic, emphasising its support for innovations that promote progress, the common good, and humanity’s salvation.
During his visit to the Greek Orthodox church, which followed the Christmas celebrations and heralded the upcoming New Year, Archbishop Makarios presided over the Matins service and the Divine Liturgy. He was joined by Fr Panagiotis Mavromatis, the parish’s priest, and Fr Stavros Ivanos, currently serving at St Spyridon’s Parish in Kingsford.
In his sermon, the Archbishop reflected on the deeper meaning of the Incarnation of the Son and Word of God, describing it as a call to holiness for modern humanity. Shifting focus to the rapid advancements in science and technology, particularly artificial intelligence, he noted the increasing tendency to replace human roles with machines.
Quoting Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s Christmas message, he stated that no scientific or technological progress could ever reach the depths of the human soul.
“The Orthodox Church does not fear technology,” he said, “as it welcomes and celebrates achievements that advance progress, serve the common good, and contribute to humanity’s salvation.”
However, he warned of a growing “scientific fundamentalism,” where theology is dismissed by some as irrelevant to worldly knowledge.
Archbishop Makarios underscored the unique nature of the Incarnation, adding that “The event of the Word of God becoming flesh cannot be replicated by human means.”
He further said that attempts to substitute humans with machines would ultimately fail.
“What humanity creates will always have mechanical elements. No matter how human-like they may appear, machines lack the divine spark that makes humans unique as the image of God.”
Archbishop Makarios commended Fr Panagiotis and the Saint Catherine’s Parish team for their dedicated service and commendable work.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop joined the congregation in singing traditional New Year carols, creating a heartfelt and festive atmosphere.
