During a speech at the anniversary event on Friday, September 13, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his hope for the reopening of the Holy Theological School of Halki. The event, held at the historic building of the School to commemorate its 180th anniversary, saw the Patriarch emphasizing the importance of initiating a serious dialogue with the relevant authorities on this matter.
He also highlighted the Mother Church’s dedication to education and praised the School’s significant contribution and support to the Ecumenical Patriarchate during its 127 years of operation. The Patriarch mentioned the faculty’s vital role in drafting the historic Encyclical of the Ecumenical Patriarchate “To the Churches of Christ Everywhere” (1920) and their involvement in various inter-Orthodox and inter-Christian initiatives.
Describing the School as an essential part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he credited its graduates with guiding the Ecumenical Movement, leading Orthodoxy to the Holy and Great Synod, and spreading its voice globally. The Patriarch expressed gratitude to the School’s alumni, organizers, speakers, and participants of the anniversary event, and blessed the ongoing work at the School through Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi and Bishop Kassianos of Arabissos.
Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, Bishop Kassianos of Arabissos, and Professor Nikolaos Xexakis also offered their greetings. The event was attended by hierarchs, members of the School’s Ephorate, clergy, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, Archons Offikalioi of the Great Church of Christ, graduates of the School, and a large audience.
Earlier in the day, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Katholikon of the Monastery to mark the anniversary.
The Trisagion for the repose of the School’s founders was conducted after the service. Photos from the event were captured by Nikos Papachristou.
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