On Saturday evening, June 8, in an emotional and religious atmosphere, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held the enthronement of Bishop Kyrillos of Erythres as the new Abbot of the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropigian Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Halki, where the historic Theological School is also housed.
There preceded the Great Vesper of the Sunday of the Holy Fathers and the commemoration of St. Cyril, the Patriarch of Alexandria, presided by the Ecumenical Patriarch, assisted by many priests.
In his address, Ecumenical Patriarch pointed out to the new Abbot of the Monastery that he is called upon to express the spirit of Halki, adding that this is “a great honor and a high debt”.
Earlier, Bartholomew also referred to Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the immediate predecessor of the new Abbot, who, as he noted, despite the fact that he did not attend the Sacred Theological School, proved to be one of its genuine off springs.
Bartholomew said that Elpidophoros gave new life to the monastery by establishing a monastic brotherhood and made the Halki Theological School more widely known by organizing many international conferences.
“The Church, appreciating his work and general contribution, entrusted him with the pastoral work of its children in America. He has undertaken the heavy duty to cope with the high responsibility of the Archbishop’s office”, continued Bartholomew.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also claimed that the forced closing down of Halki Seminary is a “black page” in the history of Mother Church, and wished for the School to reopen soon.
“In 2019, it’s been 48 years since the closure of the School. We continue to make efforts for the reopening of the School, as it is regrettable that the Protothrone Church of the Orthodox Christians is lacking the universal radiance of this bright and glorious cultural center”, said Patriarch Bartholomew.
Concluding his speech, Ecumenical Patriarch wished that God supports Bishop Kyrillos of Erythres.
From his part, the new Abbot thanked Bartholomew for the honor and the confidence to entrust him with this great responsibility and ministry.
“Your life, your presence, your own existence as Ecumenical Patriarch, and as a man of God, is for all of us the par excellence Ecclesiastic ministry” stressed the Bishop of Erythres.