Bartholomew announces potential 2026 reopening of Istanbul seminary to Trump
Patriarch Bartholomew's Agenda: Environmental Advocacy and Halki Seminary
Patriarch Bartholomew I, affectionately known as the "green patriarch," is set to receive the prestigious Templeton Prize on September 24 in New York. This recognition honours achievements in the areas of science, spirituality, and human purpose.
Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Orthodox Church, has been a strong advocate for environmental protection. He has decried pollution, deforestation, and other "ecological sin," according to the John Templeton Foundation.
Apart from his environmental activism, Bartholomew's focus also lies on the reopening of the Halki Seminary. This historic Orthodox seminary, located on one of Istanbul's Princes' Islands, has been closed for a significant period of time.
The reopening of the Halki Seminary is a topic of discussion between Bartholomew and the Turkish government. The seminary is expected to accept students in September 2026. This development comes after Turkey signalled its intention to resume the educational activities of the Halki Seminary, marking the end of its prolonged hiatus.
The dialogue between the Patriarchate and the Turkish government on the issue of Halki began at the initiative of President Erdogan, last year. During his visit to Washington on August 14, Bartholomew discussed the reopening of the Halki Seminary with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump asked his associates to prepare a briefing note to raise the issue of Halki with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Bartholomew's meeting with Trump took place on September 15 afternoon in the Oval Office. The patriarch is scheduled to make various U.S. appearances through September 25, including attending events in his honour hosted by the Turkish and Greek ambassadors to the U.S.
In addition to his U.S. visits, Bartholomew is also scheduled to meet with Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, in Türkiye in November. However, there are no search results providing information about the countries Bartholomew will visit after his meeting with US President Donald Trump on September 15, 2025, in Washington to visit the Halki Seminary.
Bartholomew, I of Istanbul's Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, has been a significant figure in promoting dialogue and cooperation between religious and political leaders. His advocacy for environmental protection and the reopening of the Halki Seminary continues to be a beacon of hope for many.
