Patriarch Bartholomew discussed the reopening of the Halki Seminary with PACE leadership
Constantinople Patriarch received a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Istanbul.
Patriarch Bartholomew received in Istanbul the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Petra Bayr and a delegation of PACE deputies. The parties discussed human rights protection and the issue of resuming the work of the theological school on Halki Island. This is reported by UOJ in Greece.
Greek Parliament deputy Yannis Oikonomou reported that the meeting participants called the opening of the school an event of enormous significance for Orthodox Christians around the world. Patriarch Bartholomew told European representatives about the details of negotiations with Turkish authorities on this issue. The interlocutors also touched upon topics of ecology and the rule of law.
Turkish authorities ceased the work of the theological school on Halki Island in nineteen seventy-one. This issue remains a subject of international diplomatic pressure, and the Constantinople Patriarchate has been demanding the restoration of education for decades.
As UOJ reported, US Assistant Secretary of State met at the Phanar with Patriarch Bartholomew.
