Archbishop Makarios: Don’t Let Screens Steal Christmas
Warning over technology’s silent takeover
Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia, His Eminence Makarios, has used his 2025 Christmas message to warn that digital devices and artificial intelligence are quietly taking over people’s daily lives. He said an era “dominated by technology” risks distancing people from real human connection, time with loved ones and the deeper joy at the heart of Christmas.
Church says ‘yes’ to progress, ‘no’ to virtual worlds
Archbishop Makarios stressed that the Orthodox Church is not against scientific progress or technological innovation when they serve the common good. However, he raised concern about a growing “virtual reality” that can replace authentic relationships with curated online lives and “artificial paradises” that never truly satisfy.
Time, attention and prayer under pressure
In his message, the Archbishop highlighted how social media, constant notifications and screen time are eroding the most precious resource people have: time that never returns. He contrasted artificial intelligence that can “compose excellent prayers” with the uniquely human act of actually praying, insisting that no machine can feel, love or stand before God on behalf of a person.
Call to rediscover real joy at Christmas
Makarios urged families across Australia, and especially young people, to put down their phones over Christmas and rediscover face-to-face conversation, shared meals and community life. True peace and lasting joy, he said, will not be found in endless scrolling or digital escape, but in Christ’s birth, which offers hope to a world wounded by war, injustice and loneliness.
A message to a multicultural, digital Australia
Addressing a diverse and highly connected Australian society, the Archbishop invited believers to use technology responsibly while refusing to become its slaves. His Christmas wish was that the New Year would bring less dependence on screens and more room in people’s hearts and homes for faith, family and genuine community.
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