The Patriarchal Theological Seminary of Halki is located on the Turkish island known as Heyelbiada in the Bosporus straits. It was closed in 1971 by the Turkish government and is the subject of much controversy since it is the only seminary in Turkey and the position of Ecumenical Patriarch can only be filled by a Turkish citizen. Sign the petition to reopen it at www.greece.org
Wearing the school uniform imposed by the Turkish government. Circa 1942. Dad was one of two young men chosen by the Archbishop of Autocepalous Church of Albania, His Eminence Christoforou, to study there. He arrived in 1937 when the school was directed by Metropolitan Aimilianos and graduated in 1946. He did not seek ordination after graduation, preferring instead to teach at the school, which the Turkish government eventually prohibited and to work for the Patriarchate in an administrative capacity.
My father had fond memories of his experiences at the school where he made lifelong friendships. He always claimed that the island was one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen. He died in 2007 at the age of 92.
