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Satisfaction with the course of the building upgrade of the Theological School of Halki - Inspection of works by the Patriarch and Ath. Martinostranslated

July 10, 2026 · 1 min read

A.Th. Panagiotis the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew went on Thursday, July 9, 2026, to the Holy Theological School of Chalki, accompanied by the Ecumenical Great Benefactor Etimol. Lord Exarch of M.t.X.E. Mr. Athanasios Martinos, President of the Fraternity of Officials of the Ecumenical Patriarchate "Panagia i Pammakaristos", and his wife Eugen. Mr. Marina, who fully undertook the cost of the complete renovation of the School's historic building complex. His Holiness and Etimol. Archons, after worshiping in the Catholic Church of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, visited the premises of the School and were informed by the project managers about the progress of the renovation works, which are expected to be completed in the near future.

The School was also attended by a Delegation of the Tax Office of the Holy Monastery, under the chairmanship of Rev. Metropolitan of Elder Derko, Mr. Apostolos, as well as the Ex. Ambassador Mr. Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in the City.

His Holiness expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the works that will significantly upgrade the historical building of the Theological School and thanked Edimol again.

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Χριστίνα Θεοδώρου

I'm glad the renovation is coming to an end soon. Lord Martinos and Mrs. Marina are really doing a great job for the School. I hope to see students there again soon.

Παρασκευή Παπαγεωργίου

I agree Christina, the Martinou family really gives everything for Halki. The building already looks different, especially after the last works in the halls. I hope it opens again for new students, as you say, because the School needs life in it.

Василий Петров

It’s good that the Patriarch himself came and looked at everything. Martinos and his wife have been investing for many years now, and it’s clear that things are going well. I hope that the students will actually be returned soon, without them the school is like an empty house.

Десислава Илиева

I am glad that the Patriarch went in person and saw how things were going. Martinos and his wife Marina have really given a lot to Halki, especially for the renovation of the halls. Hopefully the students will return soon, because without them the building really looks empty.

Мария Колева

I'm glad you mentioned the halls too, Desislava - Martinos and Marina really put a lot into them, especially the wood paneling and lighting. I hope we see the first students soon, otherwise it's really sad to see the empty corridors. Did you go to Halki after the renovation?

Васил Стефанов

I am glad that you also mentioned the personal visit of the Patriarch - it gives weight to the whole project. Martinos really doesn't spare money, but it seems to me that the most important thing is to get teachers and students back, otherwise everything remains like a museum. When do you think it might reopen for training?

I agree, Vasile, without teachers and students it will really look like a museum. Martinos gives a lot, but I heard that they are already looking for suitable people for the next school year. Do you think they will be able to open in the fall of 2027?

Тодор Иванов

Yes, Desislava, that's right - without living people it would be like a museum. I've heard they've already invited a few faculty candidates, but if they'll be able to open in the fall of 2027, I'm not sure. What do you think, how many students do you need at least to start again?

Петя Христова

I agree, Vasil, without living people inside it will really remain as an exhibit. According to what I have heard from acquaintances in the Patriarchate, the main problem is to find professors who will settle there permanently, and not just as guests. What do you think - is it more realistic to start with a small group of students first, or wait until everything is ready at once?

Мариана Тодорова

I hope they succeed, Desislawo, because without regular classes it will really remain like an exhibition hall. I've heard they're looking mostly for theology and church history, but it seems to me that at least 15-20 students are needed to make sense. What do you think, will young people come all the way from Bulgaria?