His departure from the University of Glasgow, combined with his appointment to the University of Thessalonica and his election as Metropolitan, would mean his complete virtual severance from the academic family and life in Great Britain after such a long service in it. This was avoided thanks to the strong interest shown, in his continued active presence in the academic life in this country, by the vice-chancellor of the University of London, Professor Stewart Sutherland, and the body of professors of the Faculty of Theology of that University at King’s College, to be hired as a professor at this School in such a way as to ensure his permanency at the same time, as well as the possibility of offering his services at the same time both to the University of Thessaloniki and to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It is indicative of this interest that, despite the acute economic crisis, which plagued British Universities, and which constantly led to the abolition of positions in them, an effort was made and the necessary funds were found in order to make it possible to offer Zizioulas’ services to the University until he reaches the age of 65, which, after all, is the age limit for all University professors in Great Britain. In order for this arrangement not to conflict with Greek legislation due to his status as a full professor at the University of Thessaloniki, it was agreed, following his own request, that he be considered a permanent “Visiting Professor” at the University of London initially for a period of five years, so that a problem with Greek university legislation does not arise from his service at this university.

Since 1989, and in this capacity, Zizioulas taught Systematic Theology at the University of London, at the School of Theology, King’s College, which is internationally known for its high level of study and research, gathering its traditions in periods when it is possible to in his absence with permission from the University of Thessaloniki, and without prejudice to his teaching contribution to it according to the program. His teaching at the University of London included:

a) Postgraduate seminar in Systematic Theology. It was attended by those preparing doctoral theses at the Theological School (the number varies between 15 and 20), as well as members of the teaching staff of the Department of Systematic Theology. The topics vary from year to year, such as the concept of creation, the concept of revelation, eschatology, etc., in close relation to the differences of the graduate students and the personal research of the members of the teaching staff who attend the seminar.
b) Series of Ecclesiology courses.
c) Series of lessons on the Doctrine of God and the Holy Trinity.

As part of his academic activity at this University, Zizioulas has also given a series of public (evening) lectures under the auspices of the University, on the subject of the Theological approach to the ecological problem of our days. These lectures were published in the scientific journal of the Theological School of King's College (see bibliography).