The possible reopening of the historic Halki Theological Seminary in Istanbul and the protection of Christian communities across the Middle East were key topics during a meeting between Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Riley Barnes.
The meeting was held at the US State Department at Barnes’ invitation and focused broadly on religious freedom and the rights of religious communities.
Particular attention was given to efforts to reopen Halki Seminary, with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America describing recent developments as “particularly hopeful.”
Halki Seminary remains a major religious freedom issue
Founded in 1844 on Halki, one of the Princes’ Islands near Istanbul, the theological school was closed by Turkish authorities in 1971.
For decades, Halki served as the principal theological school of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and played a central role in educating generations of Greek Orthodox clergy.
Among its graduates is Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s Eastern Orthodox Christians, who is based in Istanbul.
During the meeting, Archbishop Elpidophoros stressed that the reopening of Halki extends beyond the interests of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Orthodox Christian community.
He linked the issue to broader questions of religious freedom, human rights and the ability of religious communities to preserve their institutions, traditions and religious identity.
Focus on Christians in the Middle East
The meeting also addressed the situation of Christian communities across the Middle East.
Elpidophoros and Barnes discussed the importance of protecting the security and religious freedom of historic Christian communities, particularly in areas where Christians have maintained a presence dating back to apostolic times.
The discussions emphasized the need to create conditions that allow these communities to remain in their historic homelands, practice their faith freely and maintain their religious, cultural and social institutions in safety and peace.
The meeting comes amid continued international attention on religious freedom and the future of historic Christian communities in Turkey and throughout the Middle East.
