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Abp. Elpidophoros: No Machine Possesses the Mystery of Human Personhood
Abp. Elpidophoros told Hellenic College Holy Cross students that AI may imitate human activities but cannot possess the mystery of human personhood or pray.
BROOKLINE, MA — Abp. Elpidophoros told students at the annual Convocation of Hellenic College Holy Cross (HCHC) that artificial intelligence cannot replicate the spiritual reality of the human person, declaring, “No machine possesses the mystery of human personhood.”
The September 13 Convocation at the Maliotis Cultural Center marked the beginning of the new academic year and welcomed the largest incoming class in the history of HCHC. In his archpastoral address, Abp. Elpidophoros said education should involve more than transmitting information, but should form persons in the likeness of God.
Addressing the rapid development of artificial intelligence, the Archbishop said the Church’s response should be neither fear nor fascination. “The Church must continue to remind the world that not everything can be calculated, and that not everything that sounds intelligent possesses wisdom,” he said. He encouraged students to learn from emerging technologies while retaining responsibility for tasks that belong to human beings.
“AI may compose the words of prayer, but it cannot pray,” Abp. Elpidophoros said. He also reminded the students, “You are the image of God,” emphasizing the distinction between technological capabilities and human personhood.
The Convocation also featured remarks from Fr. Michael Lambakis, interim president of HCHC, Fr. Eugen J. Pentiuc, dean of Holy Cross School of Theology, and Dr. Nicholas Ganson, dean of Hellenic College. The speakers addressed spiritual growth, the distinction between knowledge and wisdom, and the importance of supporting one another during the academic year.
The event concluded with the presentation of a historic manuscript to the Archbishop Iakovos Library. Abp. Elpidophoros thanked Fr. Bartholomew Mercado for helping locate the manuscript and secure its acquisition. He concluded his message by telling the students, “You are living images of the living God.”
Previously, the UOJ reported that three candidates were named for the vacant Greek Orthodox Metropolis of New Jersey.
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