With great joy and honor, the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) welcomed His Eminence Archbishop of Crete Eugenios to the Heraklion Campus on Monday, October 6, 2025.
On the occasion of the beginning of the new academic year, His Eminence officiated the Blessing Ceremony (Agiasmos) in the university courtyard. The ceremony was attended by the Rectoral Authorities, members of the University Council, faculty members, students, and administrative staff.
In his address, Archbishop Eugenios of Crete emphasized the decisive importance of a high-quality public university and academic freedom as the foundation of collective progress and social prosperity. He praised the role of HMU in the development of Crete, highlighting its contribution to the cultivation of ethos and knowledge. He described the Institution as one “that feels like a great embrace,” adding that HMU is “a Cretan University since its very origins,” and that “its existence is a source of wealth for Crete and for the entire nation.”
Following the ceremony, His Eminence met with the Rectoral Authorities, members of the University Council, the Executive Director, and the Deans of Schools in the Rectorate’s Conference Hall.
There, he was thoroughly informed about the remarkable development of HMU, the success of its Departments in the 2025 national entrance examinations, the upgrading of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the advancement of research, as well as the University’s international collaborations and outreach activities.
The visit program also included a tour of HMU’s facilities and structures, among which were the Center for Psychological and Counseling Support (KE.PSY.SY.), the Library and Information Center, the Laboratories of the Schools of Agricultural and Health Sciences, and the University Farm. During the tour, His Eminence received detailed information on the infrastructure and student support services, and had the opportunity to speak with students, faculty members, and administrative staff of the Institution.
