On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, led by Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, visited the Turkish Minister of Education, Mr. Yusuf Tekin, in Ankara, after coordinating with the relevant authorities.
The purpose of the visit was to express gratitude to Minister Tekin and President Recep Tayyıp Erdoğan for their efforts to reopen the Halki Theological Seminary, which has been closed for 53 years.
The Church delegation was warmly welcomed by the Minister and his team. It was confirmed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate plans to reopen the Seminary as a private Vakıf (Foundation) University with two faculties, rather than as a clerical school as previously planned by the state.
The Minister agreed with this proposal and assured that he would communicate the Patriarchate’s suggestions, as well as the discussions and opinions shared, to President Erdoğan.
After expressing their appreciation for the collaboration with the Minister and his team, the delegation returned to their base later that day.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
