Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his hope for the reopening of the Holy Theological School of Halki during his speech at the anniversary event held on Friday, September 13, 2024. The event took place at the historic building of the School to commemorate the 180th anniversary of its founding. As he stated, the initiation of a serious dialogue with the competent authorities in this matter is a hopeful sign.
In his speech, he highlighted the Mother Church’s commitment to education and emphasized the School’s multifaceted contribution and the support it provided to the Ecumenical Patriarchate during its 127 years of operation.
The Ecumenical Patriarch noted that during its years of operation, the faculty of the School made a catalytic contribution to the work of the Mother Church. This was evident in their involvement in drafting the famous and historic Encyclical of the Ecumenical Patriarchate “To the Churches of Christ Everywhere” (1920), as well as in the inter-Orthodox and inter-Christian initiatives undertaken by the visionary Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras. Additionally, the faculty provided a plethora of insights on matters of historical, canonical, pan-Orthodox, and inter-church interest.
Then, the Ecumenical Patriarch pointed out:
“Our Theological School was an integral part of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, serving as its theological arm and providing it with capable leaders to bear the numerous responsibilities of the First Throne Church of Orthodoxy. Without the contribution of the graduates of the Halki School, the Ecumenical Movement would not have progressed, Orthodoxy would not have been guided to the Holy and Great Synod, and its voice would not have been heard throughout the world.”
Concluding his speech, he acknowledged the presence of the School’s alumni, led by Archon and Professor Nikolaos Xexakis, President of the Theological Center of Halki in Athens and its Friends. He expressed gratitude to the organizers, speakers, and all participants of this anniversary event. He also extended his blessings to the work being carried out at the School, through the President of the Ephorate, Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, and the Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery of Halki, Bishop Kassianos of Arabissos.
Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, Bishop Kassianos of Arabissos, and Professor Nikolaos Xexakis then offered their greetings.
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 were in attendance.
Earlier in the morning, to mark the anniversary, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Katholikon of the Monastery. Following the service, he conducted a Trisagion for the repose of the School’s founders.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
