Theological School of Halki renovated buildings set for inauguration as reopening efforts continue

The inauguration of the renovated buildings of the Halki Theological School is planned for late September, according to the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s initial schedule, as efforts continue toward reopening the historic institution for theological education.

According to Greek newspaper TA NEA , the inauguration of the renovated facilities represents an important milestone in the history of the School but is a separate process from its actual reopening. Efforts toward reopening are proceeding within the framework of Turkish legislation and the country’s existing constitutional provisions.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is personally following the process and has repeatedly stressed, during meetings both within and outside Turkey, that the reopening of Halki is an issue concerning the Orthodox world as a whole.

The United States and the European Union are also monitoring developments, while, according to the report, positive statements regarding the possibility of reopening the School have recently emerged from the Turkish side.

Such a development is considered to carry significant symbolic and political importance both for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for Turkey…