Protopresbyter Athanasios Gkikas
Dean of Faculty of Theology, Aristotle University
Protopresbyter Athanasios Gkikas was born in Lamia in 1959 and resides in Thessaloniki. He is a married clergyman and, since 1983, has belonged to the Holy Metropolis of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, where he serves as spiritual father and steward at the Metochion of Saint Charalambos of the Monastery of Simonos Petras. His pastoral ministry includes liturgical life, confession, catechesis, and counselling for young people and families.
He studied at the Faculty of Theology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and subsequently pursued postgraduate studies at Durham University. He was later awarded a doctoral degree in Pastoral Theology. Since 2016, he has served as Professor in the Department of Social Theology and Christian Culture, with a specialization in Pastoral Theology and Confession.
He has held significant administrative positions and has participated in synodal and scholarly committees, while also developing an international profile through teaching, conferences, and academic collaborations in Greece and abroad.
His research interests focus on Pastoral Theology, Pastoral Psychology, and counselling. He has authored monographs and studies on contemporary pastoral issues, making a substantial contribution to theological scholarship and pastoral practice.