Patriarch Bartholomew and President Erdogan discuss reopening of Halki Theological School

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara to discuss the potential reopening of the Halki Theological School. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek community in Istanbul in a cordial atmosphere. Sources from the Phanar reported that President Erdogan received requests regarding the school's future and ordered the necessary procedures to be initiated. The discussions are taking place within the framework of an ongoing dialogue involving the Turkish Ministry of National Education, the Council of Higher Education (YOK), and the Patriarchate. Patriarch Bartholomew specifically requested the establishment of a two-year postgraduate program, which was reportedly accepted by the Turkish side. While sources expressed optimism about a positive outcome, they indicated that it is unlikely the school will be ready to resume operations by September. The meeting included the participation of Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and the Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Halki, Bishop Kassianos of Arabissos. This dialogue represents the most significant step toward the school's reopening in recent years.