​ ​

It is a great honor to stand before you today, here at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki—a university that embodies centuries of academic excellence, cultural heritage, and philosophical inquiry. On behalf of the University of Balamand, I bring you warm greetings from Lebanon, a land where history, faith, and scholarship intertwine.

We gather today as academic institutions, but more importantly, as communities committed to building bridges across cultures, faiths, and disciplines. The University of Balamand, since its foundation, has strived not only to provide quality higher education but also to serve as a beacon of hope and resilience in Lebanon and the broader region. Our mission transcends classrooms and laboratories; it is a mission rooted in nurturing the mind and spirit alike.

We take pride in the unique role our university plays—not merely as an academic center, but as a vital institution safeguarding the Christian presence in the Middle East, particularly the Antiochian Orthodox tradition. At a time when many ancient communities face

unprecedented challenges, the University of Balamand stands firm in its commitment to preserve this rich heritage, to empower new generations, and to promote values of coexistence, dialogue, and peace.

It is this dual responsibility—academic excellence and cultural stewardship—that we believe makes collaboration between our institutions not only desirable, but imperative. We look to Aristotle University as a natural partner in this journey. Your pioneering work in research, your dedication to Hellenic and Orthodox studies, and your deep engagement with global academic networks inspire us greatly.

We hope that through this convention, we can explore meaningful avenues for collaboration: joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, shared initiatives in theological and cultural studies, and other forms of partnership that will enrich both our institutions and the communities we serve.

Together, we can amplify the voices of our heritage, advance the frontiers of knowledge, and nurture leaders who will carry forward the values we hold dear.

I invite all of you to see the University of Balamand not only as an academic institution in Lebanon, but as a steadfast partner in