In a written message at the scientific symposium titled “The Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Roman Communities of Constantinople, Imbros, and Tenedos,” the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in shaping and preserving the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Genos. The opening ceremony took place yesterday at the Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies Amphitheater, located in the Holy Monastery of Vlatadon in Thessaloniki.
“We are particularly pleased because your conference extensively addresses the ever-relevant issues of education, including the Holy Theological School of Halki, whose potential reopening is receiving positive attention…” Patriarch Bartholomew highlighted.
“During crucial moments for Romiosini, the Ecumenical Patriarchate stood at the forefront of events and developments, remaining steadfast in upholding the principles of our Orthodox faith and ancestral traditions with wisdom, prudence, and a keen sense of what is beneficial. The Patriarchate never turned a blind eye to the course of human affairs, recognizing that they are guided by a benevolent God who calls for active and cooperative engagement in shaping the world,” Patriarch Bartholomew’s message, read by Metropolitan Apostolos of Miletus, abbot of the Monastery of Saint Anastasia, stated.
“The Great Church has played a crucial role in molding and preserving our spiritual and cultural identity. It is from this Church that our educational pursuits have emerged, fostering growth in all aspects of Romiosini’s life and culture. The saints and martyrs of the Church of Constantinople provided solace in times of adversity and inspiration for the future,” Patriarch Bartholomew continued in his written address, adding:
“We are particularly pleased because your conference extensively addresses the ever-relevant issues of education, whether related to the potential reopening of the Holy Theological School of Halki, the historical trajectory of community education during the critical periods of the 1960s and 1970s and today, or the educational challenges and opportunities in Imbros and Tenedos.”
Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his contentment with the presentations on the architectural heritage of churches and monuments in the conference’s focus areas, as well as the discussions on relics and icons as forms of artistic expression and testimonies of religious devotion. He also commended the documentation of folk traditions, highlighting:
“We appreciate your efforts in enriching historical memory to ensure that the legacy of the Genos in its historical homelands is not forgotten. By studying the presence, struggles, vigilance, perseverance, hopes, and faith in God’s providence, we can grasp that belief in our heritage is essential for the future of Romiosini.”
Patriarch Bartholomew conveyed a message urging the preservation and transmission of historical memory to future generations.
“In this regard, we direct our youth to champion the community and its future, which is synonymous with their own future. Drawing inspiration from the past, they should focus on the positive opportunities and prospects that the present offers,” the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized.
The symposium is organized in collaboration with the Society for Macedonian Studies and various ecclesiastical, scientific, educational, and social institutions in Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Ambassador Alexis Alexandris, in his address, referenced the “informal consultations” between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Turkish government in 1971 regarding the Halki Theological School. He mentioned the school’s closure in 1971 due to the legislation abolishing private universities in Turkey and the subsequent dilemma posed by the Turkish authorities regarding its future integration into the state education system or cessation of operations, ultimately leading to its closure.
Representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate opposed the school’s integration into the state education system but were unable to secure its continuation as a “minority theological school” for training Orthodox clergy, as outlined in the Treaty of Lausanne.
The scientific symposium was attended by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, who chaired the opening session, the abbot of the Holy Monastery of Vlatadon, Metropolitan Nikiforos of Amorion, experts in Theology, Architecture, and Archaeology, the president of the Society for Macedonian Studies Vasileios Pappas, the director of the Patriarchal Institute for Patristic Studies Symeon Paschalidis, and other distinguished guests.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou