His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew traveled to Halki on Thursday, July 9, 2026, accompanied by the Ecumenical Grand Benefactor and Archon Exarch of the Great Church of Christ, Mr. Athanasios Martinos, President of the Brotherhood of Offikialoi of the Ecumenical Patriarchate “Panagia Pammakaristos,” and his wife, Mrs. Marina Martinos. The couple has generously undertaken the full financial support of this major restoration project.

The visit took place at a particularly significant moment, as the renovation of the Holy Theological School of Halki represents a project of profound importance not only for the Ecumenical Patriarchate but also for the entire Orthodox world. For more than a century, this historic institution has served as a center of theological education, spiritual formation, and the preparation of future leaders of the Church.

Upon his arrival at the School, His All-Holiness paid his respects at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity Monastery, which serves as the spiritual heart of the Halki complex. He then toured the facilities of the Theological School, where he received a detailed presentation from the project managers regarding the progress of the restoration works.

The renovation is now at an advanced stage and is expected to be completed in the near future. The project includes the restoration, modernization, and preservation of the historic buildings, while maintaining the architectural integrity and unique cultural character of the complex.

Also present during the visit were representatives of the Administration of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity, headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Geron of Derkoi Apostolos, as well as His Excellency Mr. Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Istanbul.

Following the briefing, His All-Holiness expressed his deep satisfaction with the progress of the works, emphasizing the importance of restoring a site that remains inseparably connected with the history, identity, and mission of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

At the same time, Patriarch Bartholomew once again conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Athanasios Martinos and Mrs. Marina Martinos for their generous contribution, which has played a decisive role in the preservation and renewal of the Holy Theological School of Halki.

Halki: A Global Symbol of Orthodox Theological Tradition

The Holy Theological School of Halki was founded in 1844 and, for many decades, stood as one of the most distinguished theological institutions of the Orthodox world. Its classrooms and halls were home to generations of prominent Church figures, theologians, hierarchs, and scholars who contributed significantly to the development of modern Orthodox theological thought.

The School’s closure in 1971, following a decision by Turkish authorities concerning private institutions of higher education, had international repercussions. Since then, its reopening has remained a longstanding priority and appeal of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The ongoing restoration of its facilities represents an important step toward preserving and highlighting this historic center of learning and spirituality. Halki continues to stand as a living symbol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s centuries-old presence and its enduring commitment to theological education and the service of the Orthodox Church.