Archbishop Makarios warns of technology’s grip on modern life in Christmas message
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia Makarios has warned that modern society’s growing dependence on technology and artificial intelligence risks distancing people from true joy and human connection, urging the faithful to seek meaning beyond what he described as “artificial paradises”.
In his Christmas message to clergy, community leaders and Orthodox Christians across Australia, Archbishop Makarios acknowledged the remarkable capabilities of modern technology, but cautioned against its increasing dominance over everyday life.
“Our age is dominated by technology — indeed, by the technology of the internet and Artificial Intelligence — with their many capabilities that inspire admiration, awe, but also intense concern,” the Archbishop said.
He noted that while the Church does not oppose progress or technological development, it remains concerned about the emergence of a “new virtual reality” that increasingly shapes human behaviour and priorities.
“We praise the possibilities that technology offers, but we must not forget that Artificial Intelligence, for example, may be able to write excellent prayers, yet it will never be able to pray,” he said.
Archbishop Makarios also pointed to social media and mobile phones as having a profound impact on daily life, particularly for younger people, warning that they often consume time that can never be recovered.
“Social media may make our lives more pleasant, but they also steal the most precious gift we possess — especially that of young people — which is time, a gift that slips away and never returns,” he said.
Against this backdrop, the Archbishop said humanity would ultimately fail to find happiness through technology alone, stressing that true fulfilment is found in Christ.
“Contemporary humanity will search in vain for happiness within these artificial ‘paradises’,” he said. “True joy, however, the fullness of life and existence, is found in Christ, whom the Church proclaims and who is once again born this year from the Virgin.”
He said the Nativity message remains especially relevant in a world marked by conflict and injustice, describing Christ’s birth as a source of peace, hope and joy for a wounded humanity.
With the New Year approaching, Archbishop Makarios offered prayers for families, communities and the wider world, expressing hope that 2026 would bring spiritual renewal and peace.
“I pray that the peace and joy of Christ may dwell in all our hearts, and that the New Year of 2026 may bring to you, your families, and the whole world the gifts coming forth from the Cave of the Nativity,” he said.
The Christmas message was issued in Sydney on December 25 and addressed to bishops, clergy, monastic communities, church organisations, educators, students and the broader Orthodox faithful across Australia.
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