On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, a delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, led by Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, visited the Turkish Minister of Education, Mr. Yusuf Tekin, in Ankara, following coordination with the relevant authorities.
The purpose of the visit was to thank both Minister Tekin and the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyıp Erdoğan, for their interest in reopening the Halki Theological Seminary, which has been closed for 53 years.
The Church delegation was warmly received by the Minister and his team. It was confirmed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate intends to reopen the Seminary as a private Vakıf (Foundation) University with two faculties, rather than as a clerical school (similar to an İmam Hatip school) as the state had previously planned.
The Minister expressed his agreement with this proposal and promised that he would convey the Patriarchate’s suggestions, along with the ideas and opinions exchanged, to the President of the Republic of Turkey.
At the end of the meeting, after expressing their gratitude for the cooperation with the Minister and his team, the delegation returned to its base later the same day.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
