The 23rd of April marked a milestone for SOFIA UTS as we hosted our first ever annual forum. A forum is a staple event among orthodox societies whereby members of the clergy discuss profound and socially relevant theological topics and ideas. The forum was led by a five-person panel, bringing together clergy from the Greek, Serbian, and Antiochian Orthodox Churches, including His Grace Bishop Christophoros, the Chancellor of the Greek Archdiocese of Australia.
The forum was characterised by the timeless question: ‘Why Does God Allow Suffering?’ His Grace Bishop Christophoros opened the discussion by introducing the topic: The problem of pain is a necessary consideration all worldviews must attempt to answer, no matter what you profess or refuse to believe. “Whether one stands within a framework of faith or outside of it, suffering confronts every person with a profound and inescapable tension.”
Father Asterios, beloved chaplain of SOFIA UTS, explored physical suffering with a more personal, trepid tone, underpinned by his opening statement, “Through suffering we encounter God.” Using his own experience, Fr Asterios stressed that suffering is essential if we seek to humble ourselves, for it transfigures our very perception of the world around us, helping us to appreciate the multitude of blessings we take for granted. He referenced the life of Saint Anthony the Great to establish a hopeful axiom: in suffering, the Lord never abandons us. Rather, He remains watchful over us, shares in our pain, and offers every opportunity for us to respond with love and faithfulness toward Him.
Father Phillip Saba is a parish priest of St Nicholas Punchbowl who represented the Antiochian Archdiocese. Fr Phillip beautifully reflected on Christ as the co-sufferer with mankind. Rather than remaining distant from human pain, Christ enters fully into suffering through His incarnation, passion, and crucifixion. In this way, Christianity offers not merely an explanation for suffering, but the image of a God who willingly bears it alongside humanity. Through Christ, suffering is transformed from something meaningless into something that can become redemptive.
Father Panteleimon, parish priest of St Gerasimos Leichardt, concluded the discussion by speaking on the Orthodox understanding of theosis: the process of becoming united with God. He emphasised that suffering, when met with faith, humility, and perseverance, can become a means of spiritual refinement. Trials can strip away pride, deepen prayer, and draw a person closer to divine life, allowing pain to become a path toward holiness. Fr Panteleimon emphasised a mathematical formula: “Suffering + Christ = transformation." Suffering – Christ = destruction.” In order to achieve this transformation, Fr quoted C.S Lewis: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less.” Affirmed by each panel member, humility is essential in suffering. Without it, we cannot achieve transformation.
The evening concluded with questions from attendees, who engaged deeply with the panel on one of life’s most enduring questions. SOFIA UTS’s first annual forum was marked by thoughtful discussion, unity across Orthodox jurisdictions, and a clear desire among students to grapple seriously with faith in the modern world. The night continued in a lighter spirit, as pizza and minigames brought students together in fellowship and conversation.
The success of the forum would not have been possible without the generous support of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the wider SOFIA university network, and all those who attended and contributed to the evening.
The executive committee wished to leave attendees with one clear message: Orthodoxy is alive and present at UTS. For all who are willing to inquire, the door remains open; all that is left is to step through.
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