The Church’s desire and prayer that the Halki School of Theology, one of the most important educational institutions of Orthodoxy, which has been closed for decades, be reopened, was expressed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, during his pilgrimage to the Holy Church of St. Photios the Great in Thessaloniki, where he was received by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.

It is worth noting that His Holiness had laid the first stone of the church 28 years ago, in 1997, just six years after his election, noting that there was no lack of difficulties and resistance to complete the project.

Addressing the assembled crowd of worshippers, he said that his pilgrimage was the most fitting conclusion to the “blessed days” of his visit to Thessaloniki.

Moreover, the Ecumenical Patriarch congratulated the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, stressing that since his election and since then, he has won the hearts of the people of the city and beyond, while his fame has gone beyond the boundaries of the Phanar, as he circulates throughout the Orthodox world.

He went on to point out that Filotheos remains energetic and active, not exclusively because of his young age but mainly because of his gifts and abilities.

About the Halki School of Theology

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew spoke with emotion about the connection between St. Photios’ Church and Halki, explaining that it was his predecessor who founded the Holy Trinity Church on the island.

In the courtyard of this church, the Theological School of Halki, of which His Holiness himself is a graduate, was erected. As he said.

It will be recalled that The Halki School of Theology, located on the occupied Turkish side of Istanbul, is a vital part of the history and spiritual heritage of Orthodoxy. Its reopening will mark not only the revival of educational and spiritual activities, but also an important step forward in relations between the Orthodox Church and Turkey.

His Holiness stressed that the prayer of the Church remains steadfast and hopes that divine grace will soon bring the desired result. The importance of the school is not only limited to the training of clergy and theologians, but also to strengthening the spiritual identity and cultural heritage of Orthodoxy.

Efforts to reopen Halki continue with the support of many international and national actors, while the common hope of all believers is that the relaunch of the school will soon become a reality, contributing to the strengthening of spiritual life and the preservation of traditions.

The Ecumenical Patriarch concludes with a warm prayer and a wish for the future, believing that the Halki Theological School will reopen its doors, illuminating the spirit of Orthodoxy and the Greek cultural heritage.

He pointed out, in fact, the need “to strive to walk in the footsteps of our great ancestors and forefathers, maintaining unity among us and proclaiming peace and solidarity.”

In closing, Bartholomew noted that every time he visits a diocese of the throne, a sister autocephalous Church, or even a doctrinally different Church, he conveys to the world the timeless message of Constantinople: “A message of love, reconciliation, peace, cooperation and solidarity, all for the glory of God.”