Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has voiced his optimism regarding the reopening of the Halki School of Theology, following positive discussions with the Turkish government.
The Patriarch made these remarks while inaugurating the new offices of "Byzantine Thessaloniki" and launching an exhibition titled "The Holy Halki Theological School – 180 years of contribution to Letters and Man."
During the event, the Patriarch emphasised that efforts to reopen the Halki School, which has been closed for over 50 years, are advancing rapidly. "The Turkish Minister of Education recently visited the school and met with the abbot, and further meetings have taken place in Ankara," Bartholomew said. He added that a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate would continue the dialogue in the Turkish capital next week to finalise technical details. "I am very optimistic that the reopening of our school will happen soon. This effort has the support of President Erdogan," the Patriarch noted.
The Halki School of Theology, located on an island near Istanbul, was a vital educational institution for the Orthodox Christian Church until its closure in 1971. It has produced 220 prominent theologians, including Patriarch Bartholomew himself, who have served both the church and theological studies with dedication.
Reflecting on the school’s legacy, Bartholomew stated, "We will not cease in our efforts to reopen Halki, ensuring that Orthodox Christian theology continues to be taught there, enriching the church with capable clergy and theologians." He further highlighted the school's crucial role in strengthening the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s traditions and theological foundations.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also presided over a conference on the "Hill of Hope," where the school is located, to mark its foundation in 1844. The accompanying photographic exhibition showcases the rich history of Halki, displaying images of its buildings, teachers, and students, and documents its past contributions to Orthodox Christian education.
The event in Thessaloniki was attended by prominent figures, including the Deputy Minister of Interior for Macedonia-Thrace, Costas Gioulekas, who praised the Ecumenical Patriarch’s global influence. "Your Holiness, your visit turns our city into an open church, and your presence blesses us all," Gioulekas remarked.
Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki also expressed his gratitude for Bartholomew’s visit, highlighting the importance of the new exhibition and the role of "Byzantine Thessaloniki" in preserving and promoting the city’s Byzantine heritage. He acknowledged his predecessor, Metropolitan Anthimos, and thanked the organizations involved in the project.
The "Byzantine Thessaloniki" initiative, launched in 2019, aims to promote the city's Byzantine legacy and foster international cultural and economic collaborations. It operates from a historic building in Thessaloniki, graciously provided by the Patriarchal Foundation for Patristic Studies and the Holy Monastery of Vlatades.
(Source: Amna)