The Head of the Phanar met with the President of Turkey

During his meeting with the President of Turkey, the head of the Phanar discussed issues related to the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the situation of the Greek Orthodox community. Special attention was given to the theological school on the island of Halki and the possibilities for resuming its operations within the framework of dialogue with Turkish authorities.

According to the Orthodox Times, those present at the meeting included, in particular, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Bishop Cassian of Arabissa, as well as the abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery on Halki. Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his gratitude to the head of state for the opportunity to discuss current issues in a friendly atmosphere, noting the importance of dialogue for cooperation on matters affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox community.

Special emphasis was placed on the Holy Theological School of Halki—specifically, the issue of its future and the prospects for its reopening. It is clarified that this topic will be addressed within the context of a dialogue initiated by the Ministry of National Education, the Higher Education Council (YÖK), and the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

As a reminder, we previously reported thatthe Turkish government had prohibited Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople from celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the ancient Panagia Sumela Monastery, located within the country’s borders. Despite the outrage expressed by local Pontic Greeks over this situation, the authorities restricted access to the monastery for clergy and the faithful, and Patriarch Bartholomew, who was supposed to lead the celebrations, did not come at all.