In a landscape of confusing information and intense debates that have sparked both in Turkey and Greece, the response of ERTnews journalist from Istanbul , Elvira Krithari, regarding the future of the Theological School of Halki , comes to shed light. As it is made clear in the most categorical way, the events planned for next September concern exclusively the inauguration of the renovated building of the School, after the completion of extensive and demanding maintenance and restoration work, and in no way mark the reopening of the Theological School as a priestly educational institution.
The initial misunderstanding and the noise caused are mainly due to reports by a section of the Turkish press , which misinterpreted the recent statements of the Ecumenical Patriarch from Athens as a pre-announcement of the immediate “opening” of the School. This event led to strong reactions within the neighboring country, making it necessary to clearly distinguish between two completely different issues: on the one hand, the functional performance of a renovated building to the public, and on the other, the institutional re-establishment of the School, which unfortunately has remained closed for decades .
The restoration of this historical monument , in whose corridors the Ecumenical Patriarch himself has studied, was realized thanks to the tireless efforts and initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate . Also decisive was the moving contribution of the Greek diaspora and the Greek community , who financially supported the rescue of a place of enormous religious, cultural and historical importance through donations.
Next September , the building will open its doors as a fully preserved and restored monument, open to the public.
Despite the fact that the reopening of the School remains a permanent, historical request of the Patriarchate and the general climate appears positive, so far there has been no official decision or specific development that would change the institutional status.
The issue is still pending, with the renovated, brilliant building in Halki remaining a beacon of hope, awaiting the day when its halls will once again be filled with seminary students.
