On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarchate commemorated Saint Photios, Patriarch of Constantinople, the founder of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Halki, where the historic Theological School of Halki is housed.
For the first time since the School’s closure in 1971, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Katholikon of the Monastery. Concelebrating 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.
Following the Liturgy, the Patriarch delivered a homily in the Ceremony Hall of the School, reflecting on the legacy of Saint Photios, who founded the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in the 9th century, as well as on the contribution of Ecumenical Patriarch Germanos, who established the Theological School of Halki in 1844.
“The School was the theological headquarters of the Great Church,” the Patriarch stated, emphasizing its role in preparing seminarians for ministry and transmitting the spirit and ethos of the Phanar.
Reflecting on the spiritual and intellectual stature of Saint Photios, he described him as:
“The unwavering champion of the Ecumenical Throne, the fearless defender of Orthodoxy and canonical tradition, an equal to the apostles and a visionary missionary, a skilled diplomat, an enlightened guardian of Greek letters and ancient spiritual heritage, a theologian of great depth, a true bearer of the Church’s synodal identity, and a faithful servant of divine decrees. The ever-living Patriarch of the Orthodox world.”
He further highlighted the significance of Saint Photios’ legacy in the Synod of Constantinople (879-880) and its relevance today, especially in light of the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.
In another part of his address, Patriarch Bartholomew stressed the importance of theological education, stating:
“Strong theological training, constantly enriched through deep study, together with complete dedication to Christ and service to His people, form the spiritual armor that enables clergy to fulfill their sacred mission. The Church needs devout and enlightened clergy—faithful to their calling and to Church tradition, with an Orthodox mindset and a modern spirit, possessing a keen sense of duty and deep compassion for humanity, ‘for whom Christ died.'”
The Patriarch also expressed his 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 dedicated service.
Prior to the Patriarch’s homily, Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, Abbot of the Monastery, and Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, President of the Monastery’s Ephorate, delivered remarks. The newly ordained Patriarchal Deacon Fotios Poulopoulos also gave his ordination speech, expressing gratitude for his new ministry.
Later that afternoon, returning from Halki, the Ecumenical Patriarch visited the Cemetery of St. Ignatius of Chalcedon, where he performed a Trisagion service at the grave of the late Metropolitan Photios of Iraklia, of Imbros and Tenedos, praying for the repose of his soul. The Patriarch also offered prayers for his relative from Imbros, Archimandrite Photios Georgiadis, who served as a priest for many years and fell asleep in the Lord in Romania.
The commemoration of Saint Photios at the Monastery of the Holy Trinity marked a significant spiritual and historical moment, reaffirming the deep 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
