Ecumenical Patriarch: Granting Autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine required courage and boldness

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reflected on the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the reopening of the Halki Theological School, Greek-Turkish relations and the major milestones of his Patriarchate in an interview with the Greek newspaper Kathimerini , marking 35 years since his election to the Ecumenical Throne.

Elected Ecumenical Patriarch on October 22, 1991, Bartholomew discussed the challenges he has faced over the past three and a half decades, as well as the objectives that remain unfulfilled.

Among them, he placed particular emphasis on the reopening of the Halki Theological School, recalling that he had raised the issue in his enthronement address 35 years ago. He expressed hope that the school, which has remained closed for decades, would soon be able to resume operations.

Halki and Greek-Turkish Relations The Ecumenical Patriarch also expressed his desire for a lasting improvement in relations between Greece and Turkey.

“There should be no ups and downs, but peaceful coexistence between the two peoples and normal relations between the two countries. I want to contribute to this,” he said.

The interview also addressed the changing position of…