Will the Halki Seminary reopen? A notable statement from Patriarch Bartholomew

The Halki Seminary, which remains a subject of ongoing debate in Turkey and around the world regarding whether it “should be opened” or “should not be opened,” has been closed for over 50 years. 

Closed by a Constitutional Court ruling in 1971, the Halki Seminary has been unable to provide education for 50 years.

During its years of operation between 1844 and 1971, the Seminary was considered the most important theological school in the Orthodox world. 

In those same years, it produced nearly 1,000 graduates. Among the graduates are 12 patriarchs, including Bartholomew.

Renovations have been underway at the Halki Seminary for some time. Restoration work at the school, which was taken under renovation a while ago, is continuing rapidly. 

Visiting Thessaloniki, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that he is highly optimistic that the Seminary will resume operations in the near future.

TECHNICAL DETAILS TO BE DISCUSSED

Efforts regarding the resumption of the Seminary's operations are progressing rapidly. The Turkish Minister of Education visited our school and met with the abbot in charge there. Later, the abbot traveled to Ankara with a delegation from the school to continue contacts and dialogue. Next week, a large delegation from the Patriarchate will travel to the capital to discuss the technical details.

I am extremely optimistic that we will reach our goal of having our school resume operations in a short time. The order to the Ministry of National Education officials was given from above, by Mr. President Tayyip Erdoğan. We are now certain that we are on the verge of our school resuming operations.

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin visited the Seminary, which is in the same building as the Private Halki Greek High School on Heybeliada, on May 28, and after his inspections, he stated, “We are conducting our own work regarding the school's ability to operate as a Seminary.”

News Source: 12punto