On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarchate observed the memory of Saint Photios, Patriarch of Constantinople, who founded the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Halki, home to the historic Theological School of Halki.
In a significant event, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Katholikon of the Monastery, marking the first time since the School’s closure in 1971. Joining him in the Liturgy were Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi and Metropolitan Andreas of Forty Churches.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch ordained Subdeacon Fotios Poulopoulos, a theologian and architect, to the diaconate. Deacon Fotios will serve in the Patriarchal Court.
After the Liturgy, the Patriarch delivered a sermon in the Ceremony Hall of the School, reflecting on the legacy of Saint Photios, the founder of the Monastery in the 9th century, and the contribution of Ecumenical Patriarch Germanos, who established the Theological School of Halki in 1844.
Highlighting the importance of the School as the theological hub of the Great Church, the Patriarch emphasized its role in training seminarians and passing on the spirit and ethos of the Phanar.
Describing Saint Photios as a steadfast defender of the Ecumenical Throne, a champion of Orthodoxy, and a visionary missionary, the Patriarch underlined his significance in the Synod of Constantinople (879-880) and its relevance today, especially in anticipation of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
Addressing the need for strong theological education, the Patriarch stressed the importance of continuous learning, dedication to Christ, and service to His people as essential qualities for clergy to fulfill their sacred mission.
The Patriarch expressed gratitude to the President and members of the Ephorate of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, as well as to the Abbot, the monastic brotherhood, and the laity for their devoted service.
Prior to the Patriarch’s sermon, Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, Abbot of the Monastery, and Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, President of the Monastery’s Ephorate, delivered speeches. Deacon Fotios Poulopoulos also gave his ordination speech, expressing gratitude for his new ministry.
Later in the day, upon returning from Halki, the Ecumenical Patriarch visited the Cemetery of St. Ignatius of Chalcedon, where he held a Trisagion service at the grave of the late Metropolitan Photios of Iraklia, of Imbros and Tenedos, and offered prayers for his relative, Archimandrite Photios Georgiadis.
The commemoration of Saint Photios at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity was a momentous occasion, reaffirming the profound theological and ecclesiastical legacy of the Theological School of Halki, while celebrating the enduring influence of Saint Photios in Orthodoxy.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
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